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Orlando Magic Rumors: Evan Fournier wants to remain in Orlando despite trade speculation

By Sam Skubala

MILWUAKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 10, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWUAKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 10, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evan Fournier’s name repeatedly comes up in the rumor mill. But the Orlando Magic swingman insists he wants to remain in Central Florida.

Evan Fournier insists he wants to stay with the Orlando Magic despite his involvement in trade rumors, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The Magic swingman has been the subject of numerous public discussions, with a highly-tradeable 4-year, $68-million contract. He was previously linked in a potential trade with the Detroit Pistons, which would have sent Reggie Jackson and possibly Luke Kennard to Orlando.

Fournier has also popped up in some talk involving the Utah Jazz, with people trying to draw a connection between him and fellow countryman Rudy Gobert (especially considering their playful online banter).

It seems no matter what if someone wants to make a trade with the Magic, Fournier’s name will pop up.

However, amidst this speculation, 25-year-old Fournier admitted to Robbins he tries to ignore it all.

"“That’s why I really don’t read this stuff: because you never know what’s going to happen,” Fournier said. “I got traded once and I had no idea. It really came out of nowhere. There were no rumors. There was nothing. And out of the blue, I woke up one morning and I got traded. So I know this is just all talk. You really don’t know what’s going on upstairs [in front offices], so it really don’t matter, honestly. You’ve just got to focus on what you have to do, really. The rest is speculation.”"

Robbins asked Fournier to respond to a characterization in another media report that he would be open to a trade. While Fournier said he would like to win and he is disappointed in the Magic’s performance, he is not giving up on his team. He would not request a trade.

He will let the chips fall where they may and keep playing for the Magic as long as they will have him.

As Robbins notes in his piece, Fournier would be a valuable asset to any playoff-chasing team. A talented scorer, he is putting up 18.0 points per game while shooting 39.6 percent from distance. This makes him an offensive threat either in the starting lineup or off the bench.

Furthermore, he is looking to rebound after a period of poor form following his return from a sprained ankle began that journey with a career-high 32 points in the Magic’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night.

The possible Pistons trade, combined with the rampant speculation involving Fournier, shows unsurprisingly there is a market for him.

Given the 13-31 Magic are unlikely to be troubling the playoffs for the sixth straight season and Orlando is open to trades, it would not be surprising if it was Fournier who was moved.

The main question is what could the Magic gain in return. Even as Orlando claims it is not looking for draft picks, a young prospect and a late first round pick may be necessary to give him away as president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has already made it clear the franchise is not engaging in a firesale.

Next: Orlando Magic find energy from unlikely sources

Speaking to Robbins, Fournier was clear he did not want to move, and that he enjoyed playing in Orlando. But as the trade deadline approaches, only time will tell if he remains in Central Florida. Or whether he lands in new pastures.