NBA Free Agency: Orlando Magic Sign Restricted Free Agent Evan Fournier
Coming into the offseason, the Orlando Magic made resigning Evan Fournier a priority. They extended a qualifying offer before free agency period started. That way, if Fournier agreed to sign with another team, the Magic would be able to match the offer. According to CBS Sports, both sides came to an agreement on the first day of free agency.
The Orlando Magic signed Evan Fournier to a five-year deal worth $85 million. He has developed himself into a sharpshooter. Fournier is only 23 years old. The Magic are hoping that he continues his development and becomes a future All-Star.
The Denver Nuggets selected Evan Fournier with the 20th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He spent two years with the Nuggets as a backup player. Fournier was traded to the Orlando Magic during the summer of 2014. He saw an increase in minutes after being acquired by the Magic.
Orlando Magic Re-Sign Evan Fournier | Orlando Magic https://t.co/SYkYB82boP
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Evan Fournier was inserted into the starting lineup in his second year with the Orlando Magic. According to ESPN, he averaged 15.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 32 minutes. Fournier shot 46.2 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Evan Fournier has all the tools to become a very good two-way player in the NBA. He is one of the better shooters in the league. Fournier’s defense is overlooked because of his offensive skills set.
This summer, the Orlando Magic made it known that Evan Fournier is part of their future core. They decided to trade away Victor Oladipo. He is inefficient on offense. Some might consider Oladipo a better defender than Fournier, but Fournier is underrated on that end of the floor. Former Magic head coach Scott Skiles said Fournier was the team’s second best defender.
The Orlando Magic also added point guard D.J. Augustin, center Bismack Biyombo, and combo forward Jeff Green to their roster. They also traded for Jodie Meeks from the Detroit Pistons. Green brings leadership to a very inexperienced team. Augustin is an excellent role player. Biyombo proved that he is an elite rim protector.
The starting lineup for the Orlando Magic next season could be pretty imposing. Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier in the back court. Aaron Gordon, Serge Ibaka, and Bismack Biyombo in the front court. Fournier could be the number one option on offense for head coach Frank Vogel.
The Orlando Magic also have Elfrid Payton, who is a young, defensive-minded point guard. If he does not add three-point shooting to his arsenal, Payton might not be on the team much longer.
The Orlando Magic added Bismack Biyombo to their young core. They will be looking to build their team around these guys. The Magic hope that they can get back to the NBA Playoffs within a couple of years.
Evan Fournier could have a bigger role for the Orlando Magic next season. He has all the skills to be one of the better offensive players in the NBA. Fournier can play both shooting guard and small forward. If he can keep developing his game, he could be an All-Star.
[Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]
