The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are both teams who could look to make a change at the NBA trade deadline. Each side would be headed in different directions as franchises and Evan Fournier could play a role in such a situation.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Celtics are a potential suitor for Evan Fournier from the Magic at the NBA trade deadline.
“A potential suitor for Magic sharpshooter Evan Fournier: The Celtics, sources said. Fournier is on an expiring contract worth $17.1 million.”
The appeal of pursuing a trade for Evan Fournier is that he would provide the Celtics with an additional catch-and-shoot threat that can also make plays off-the-dribble. His expiring contract would comfortably fit within the parameters of their substantial trade exception.
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The Celtics do need more offensive firepower and do not have an outlook to add a difference-making star at the NBA trade deadline. A player like Fournier who would not come with a robust long-term financial commitment but could provide an immediate burst would be quite a helpful outcome.
In 24 appearances this season, Evan Fournier is averaging 19.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He’s doing so while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc.
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The Orlando Magic will certainly be sellers at the NBA trade deadline given they have been depleted by injuries to various key players including Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz. Given that Evan Fournier is on an expiring deal, moving on from him to gain assets could help maximize their draft positioning and keep their salary cap room open.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics clearly need a spark to be able to keep up with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. They evidently are not among the top tier anymore in that group and will not be able to do damage come playoff time without more talent.
