Evan Fournier, 23 years old (RFA)
2015-16 Stats: 15.4 PPG / 2.7 APG / 2.8 RPG
The Case for Fournier: In this scenario, Portland lets Harkless or Crabbe go and instantly replace them with a superior offensive player. Fournier had the best year of his career in Orlando last season after averaging just 8.6 PPG over three years in Denver. If signed, he would step in and instantly be the third best scorer on the Trail Blazers’ roster. Fournier is an explosive scorer and can shoot from anywhere on the court. While the team doesn’t necessarily need another wing, his ability to put the ball in the basket at a high level would be wildly accepted in Rip City. Defensively, former coach Scott Skiles told the Orlando Sentinel in November that: “Fournier has been the team’s second-best defender.”
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The Case Against Fournier: I looked and looked for a real negative in Fournier’s game, but the result netted me no definitive answer. He’s a “3 & D” type player that has a little more to offer near the rim than most guys in the category. The con is that the Magic will undoubtedly match any offer that he will sign. With Victor Oladipo out of the picture, Fournier is now clearly the best wing player they have. Conventional wisdom tells us the Magic won’t let him go.
Cost of signing Fournier: An underrated and undervalued free agent this offseason, Fournier will most likely sign a deal around $13 million to $18 million – though I believe he deserves much more.
Next: Harrison Barnes, 24 years old