Bucks set 3-point record in blowout of Heat

Evan Fournier’s second season with the New York Knicks has been a frustrating one. He’s appeared in only 20 games and was removed from the rotation in mid-November.

Fournier has only played when New York has been down other guards and wings. That’s now where Fournier wants to be at this point in his career.

“Best-case scenario, I want to stay here. I want to play here,” he said. “I had a bunch of different choices in free agency, and I wanted to be a Knick. I love New York. I wanted to play for (Tom Thibodeau). So, I’d love to stay, but I’d love to play.”

Fournier is owed $18 million this season, $18.8 million next season, before the Knicks hold a $19 million team option for 2024-25. That makes trading the veteran wing a tricky proposition. And asking for a trade isn’t something Fournier wants to do, but he knows he can still help a team on the court.

“I’m in the best shape of my career. I should be in my prime. I am in my prime,” he said. “You want to play, for sure. Especially as a competitor. It’s not like I forgot how to play. Last year I had a different role and somehow, I was able to break a 30-year-old franchise record. So, I am going to find a way to adapt to any situation.”

The Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons discussed trades ahead of the deadline. Philadelphia was interested in adding Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, but they weren’t willing to trade Tobias Harris to do it.

Detroit’s interest in reuniting with Harris has been rumored for a while now. The Pistons could pursue Harris when he becomes a free agent this summer.

The Sixers couldn’t afford to give up Harris, as he’s a key player for them, especially in the wake of Joel Embiid’s knee surgery. Philadelphia could seek to work a new deal with Harris when he’s a free agent this summer.

Bogdanovic and Burks were ultimately traded to the New York Knicks. The Pistons received Quentin Grimes, two second-round picks and a collection of matching salaries from the Knicks in the deal.