The veteran shooting guard/small forward of the New York Knicks, Evan Fournier, will still be with the Knicks as the training camp begins.
However, he was hoping for a trade, but it could not be solidified as per his request and mutual agreement from both sides.
Evan Fournier says the Knicks are holding him hostage
"I’m still in New York at the moment. I want to leave. But beyond leaving, I want to have the opportunity to get some playing time back. That’s all. That’s mostly it. Because in New York, I feel extremely good. I love living… pic.twitter.com/cvtMHRBE1Z
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 28, 2023
Fournier has shared what he believes, and according to the NY Post and RTL (French Radio Station), he said, "I’m still in New York at the moment," Fournier said. "I want to leave. But beyond leaving, I want to have the opportunity to get some playing time back. That’s all. That’s mostly it. Because in New York, I feel extremely good. I love living there, I love the franchise, I love playing at Madison [Square Garden], I love the guys on the team.
"So I just want to play, that’s all. It’s true that finding another club, changing franchises, if that’s what you have to do to play again, that’s what I would like to do."
After beginning the season as a starter, Fournier was removed from the Knicks" rotation by late November of last year. From that point on, he only played significant minutes due to injuries.
Fournier played 27 games overall, including seven starts, with an average of 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. But the Knicks have yet to move him, mostly because his expiring $18.9 million contract is a valuable "trade chip" to "match contracts" if the right deal comes along.
Fournier still has faith that he may gain more playing time while he is still a member of the team, even if it seems like his exit from New York is certain.
Fournier further said, "If I knew, for example, that the coach was going to give me 10-15 minutes here and there, I know that I could make the most of it and grab minutes gradually and perform well,"
"But that’s not even the case. I don’t have the opportunity to play and even worse, I feel like I’m being held hostage. I hope this situation will resolve itself and I especially hope that the Knicks will give me a chance."
