Contract talks between the Celtics and free agent Evan Fournier are reportedly stalling, and if the 6-foot-7 forward doesn't return to Boston, the Knicks could be an alternative.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer and Ian Begley of SNY, there is "mutual interest" between New York and Fournier, a former first-round pick who was traded to the Celtics by the lowly Magic last season. The Knicks reportedly coveted Fournier prior to the trade deadline, but the 28-year-old ultimately wound up in Boston, where he averaged 13 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field.
According to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, Fournier is seeking four years and $80 million in free agency, a contract the Celtics don't seem willing to meet.
Fournier had a strong postseason with the Celtics, averaging 15.4 points per game, and was having a career year before being traded by Orlando, averaging 19.7 points and 3.7 assists per game. He finished the year shooting a career-best 41.3 percent from beyond the arc, averaging a career-high 6.7 3-point attempts per game.
The Knicks are among the teams with the most cap space heading into free agency, which begins on Monday, so if there is mutual interest, the team could certainly afford to sign him. Of course, the Knicks will be looking to upgrade in several areas this summer, particularly at point guard.
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