Evan Fournier did not play for the New York Knicks in their game against the Boston Celtics, a situation that is not new to many fans.
The French guard has yet to log in any minutes this season, something that he has complained about seasons before.
Fournier had his best years with the Orlando Magic. The Boston Celtics acquired him via a trade in the 2020-2021 season, and then he was shipped to the New York Knicks via a sign-in trade deal.
His minutes and production dipped ever since arriving at the Madison Square Garden.
He expressed a desire to leave the team during the summer, although the Knicks have yet to create plans for him.
"I'm still in New York at the moment," Fournier said.
"I want to leave. But beyond leaving, I want to have the opportunity to get some playing time back. That's all. That's mostly it. Because in New York, I feel extremely good. I love living there, I love the franchise, I love playing at Madison [Square Garden], I love the guys on the team."
The love is not reciprocated enough, though, as he remains on the bench.
Are the Knicks just holding out to look for better deals? If yes, they may entertain these trade scenarios for both parties' sake.
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1. Trade with the Utah Jazz for a PF.
The Jazz has a surplus of power forwards, which the Knicks lack.
They can use someone like Kelly Olynyk, who can play both forward and center positions. He can also stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting, which will be huge for Julius Randle, who is struggling this season.
They will, however, have to give up a first-round draft pick alongside Fournier. They currently have four first-rounders in next season's draft night.
2. Find a floor spacer from the Spurs
Doug McDermott had his first rodeo with the Knicks during the 2017-2018 season, and he could be a perfect target for coach Tom Thibodeau if a floor spacer is what he is looking for.
The current San Antonio Spurs forward could both be a decoy to free up Randle from opponents' defense and be the one to take the shot.
This deal is also a win for Fournier and Gregg Popovich. The former already said that he dreams of playing for the legendary coach. For the Spurs, it would be great for the super rookie Victor Wembanyama to have a fellow Frenchman beside him.
"Playing for [Popovich] and [Spurs] ... would be a pleasure and an honor," Fournier said. "Being with Victor [Wembanyama], looking at the Olympics, being able to start chemistry on the court, that would be great.
3. Return to Orlando, Knicks get Gary Harris
Fournier could return to his top form if he reunites with the Orlando Magic, this time as the veteran to lead a relatively young team.
Knicks will have to give up first-round draft picks for him aside from Fournier.
Harris is a 3-and-D guard that Thibodeau could use, with Donte DiVincenzo being inconsistent at the start of the season. The 29-year-old averages 45.0% from the field and 43.1% from three on 4.5 attempts.
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