2. Evan Fournier (4 years, $68 million)
The Orlando Magic’s biggest players and biggest contracts they want to deal are in a weird spot overall.
They are typically in players who still have several years left on their deals and so would require a team to commit to them long term. But they are also still in players who are producing. and that production is undeniable.
Evan Fournier is the perfect example of this. He is averaging a more than respectable 17.8 points per game. His 3-point shooting has bounced back to 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and a 53.6 percent effective field goal percentage. Those are good numbers. Fournier is not some salary dump, he is a player capable of contributing whether as a starter or off the bench.
The Magic have likely relied on Fournier a bit too much for creation off the dribble and for scoring. He should probably not be the team’s primary offensive option. And he definitely tries to take control of games too often. And not always in a positive way. But the Magic often need him to do it.
Fournier is probably the Magic’s most consistent scorer. It would be tough to lose him for nothing and still expect to compete. Even with several players who are seemingly ready to grow into the role. If they are ever called on.
The question for Fournier in this trade market is who will take on that contract and what exactly could the Magic get for him in return? Orlando would have to give something else up to convince someone to take on that Fournier contract. It is rare for a team to be willing to take on a three-year deal at the trade deadline. Teams are not willing to commit that long to a player they do not know. Especially considering Fournier is paid a hefty amount.
The reality might be the Magic are better off waiting for the summer to move Fournier. There might be a better market then.