NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 25: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks signed free agent guard Evan Fournier to a four-year deal on Monday. Such a move wasn’t optimal for their future plans.
Fournier is a capable backcourt player, no question. But is he $78 million good?
The Knicks decided to use a large chunk of their cap space on Fournier, who should improve a team that was already four-seed worthy in 2020-21. However, it could eliminate the Knicks from adding the star player that they typically covet.
A mere moments later, New York also re-signed Derrick Rose in a savvy addition. It speaks to Tom Thibodeau’s team-first philosophy. However, is it enough to break through in the Eastern Conference?
NBA Free Agency: Twitter trolls Knicks for signing Evan Fournier
Fournier is currently playing with France in the Tokyo Olympics. He averaged 17 points and three assists per game last season.
After being traded to the Boston Celtics midseason, Fournier thrived in Beantown, so much so that they were interested in bringing him back this summer. The Knicks threw a lot of money his way to ensure that wasn’t the case.
NBA fans gave the Knicks a hard time for supposedly overpaying for Fournier, even though it was followed by bringing back D-Rose.
Fournier actually does make a lot of sense for a Knicks team that lacks shooting. However, the issue here is the financial incentive.
Only time will tell if New York made a mistake.