The Orlando Magic’s Evan Fournier is going to be a hot-commodity this offseason. There are many teams that will show interest in Fournier as free agency looms.
Following a career year in 2016, Evan Fournier heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent. This allows the Orlando Magic to match any offer Fournier receives this summer.
That gives the Magic some control over whether Fournier suits up for them next year, but not complete control. They can negotiate a contract and hold out with that right to match, but it also means a motivated team can overpay or create a poison-pill contract to nab him.
And Fournier should attract plenty of interest even in this uncertain free-agent market.
With how things are looking right now, the Magic will most likely have to match another team’s offer sheet.
Heading into the season, Fournier was not expected to have the type of year that he did. He was looked upon to be a supporting piece for the Magic last season, but he blew everyone away. He improved on both sides of the ball and teams have taken notice of the 23-year-old.
Offensively, Fournier has a solid 3-point shot and has the ability to drive into the paint and score. With the variety of skills Fournier has, it makes him a consistent scoring threat every night.
Defensively, Fournier was guarding small forwards last season and it was a struggle for him at times. At the shooting guard position, Fournier can be much more effective. Regardless, Fournier is a mediocre defender that gives a lot of effort. He will do his job in a defensive system, but may not be great on the opponent’s main guy.
A player with Fournier’s skill set is going to get a lot of calls during free agency. The Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia Sixers, Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic are all teams that seam to fit Fournier and could reach out to him in free agency.
As free agency gets closer, more teams may enter the race, but for now these are the most likely landing spots for Fournier.
Next: Detroit Pistons