Sometimes, you land in an unfortunate situation. We’ve all been there. You went to a party, and your only friend left. You showed up in the wrong classroom, but by the time you realized it, it was too uncomfortable to leave. NBA players can end up in bad situations as well.
Sometimes, a player is on a team that doesn’t seem to have a use for him. For example, take Evan Fournier of the New York Knicks. This is a talented NBA player.
Unfortunately, the Knicks didn’t appear to trust him with many responsibilities in 2022-23. Could they send him to the San Antonio Spurs this summer?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Evan Fournier
Meanwhile, Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks can be an unfortunate situation for anybody. We don’t mean to knock Thibodeau. This is a good NBA coach. We’re simply saying that he’s got a high standard. If you don’t meet it, Thibs is not going to play you.
Just look at Derrick Rose. One year, he was one of the best backup point guards in the NBA. The very next year, he was out of the rotation. Now, he’s on the Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
This can be both problematic and beneficial. It’s a balance that every head coach needs to strike. Too long of a leash can encourage bad habits, but too short of one can kill confidence. Would Fournier have a longer leash in San Antonio?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
We think so. It’s a little hard to say with any confidence who the best player in this deal is. Reggie Bullock is the least skilled, but as a 3-and-D wing, he can be the most impactful when his shot is falling. Graham is a good basketball player, but he’s undersized.
By contrast, Fournier is a big guard. When all of these players are healthy and in an appropriate role, he may be the best among them. Either way, the Spurs have another reason to acquire Fournier.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
He’s French. So is Victor Wembanyama. If the Spurs think bringing a countryman on would ease their top prospect into the NBA, they should be interested. Should the Knicks part with him?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
By contrast, Bullock feels exactly like a player that Tom Thibodeau would favor. His shot may be inconsistent, but his defensive effort is unwavering. That’s the type of player who typically earns the trust of the Knicks’ skipper.
Meanwhile, New York could also use a player to fill Rose’s void. Graham may not get heavy minutes, but with Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley on the roster, he doesn’t need to. This is a sturdy floor general that the Knicks are currently missing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, New York Knicks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Finally, and as we mentioned, the Knicks haven’t been playing Fournier anyway. If that’s expected to continue, they might as well move him. Here, they’re landing two players who might be able to crack this team’s rotation. In other words, it may be an ideal situation for them both.
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