Evan Fournier officially leaves the Detroit PistonsHowever, the 12-year NBA veteran will not continue to serve an NBA team.
Earlier this summer, it was suggested that Fournier could take a deal overseas to continue his career. However, the Pistons’ acquisition in 2024 still had his sights set on the NBA.
Recently, Fournier participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a free agent. After winning a silver medal with the French national team, Fournier decided to officially leave the NBA. According to multiple reports on Monday, Fournier is heading to Greece and signing with Olympiacos.
According to Shams Charania of The AthleticFournier is signing for two seasons in Greece. He is expected to earn more than $4 million under his new contract.
Fournier’s new contract marks the first time he has signed a new deal since the 2021 NBA offseason, when he landed with the New York Knicks via a sign-and-trade.
After starting his career as a backup with the Denver Nuggets for two seasons, Fournier was given the opportunity to join the Orlando Magic. His time with the Magic lasted nearly seven full seasons. After seeing the court for 26 games during the 2020-21 season, Fournier was traded to the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics traded Fournier to the Knicks in August 2021. Fournier initially played a key role with the Knicks, starting 80 games. The following year, he appeared in 27 games, coming off the bench for most of his appearances. By Year 3, Fournier was no longer in the rotation in New York.
At the 2024 trade deadline, the Pistons and Knicks made a notable deal. In the trade involving former Pistons sharpshooters Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic, the Pistons acquired Fournier and two other veterans, along with draft compensation.
At this point, all players involved in the deal who were sent to Detroit will be recruited elsewhere.
Fournier leaves behind a 29-game stretch with the Pistons. Coming off the bench for nearly 19 minutes per game, Fournier averaged seven points on 37 percent shooting. His veteran presence was appreciated, but the Pistons won’t bring Fournier back. The 31-year-old former first-round pick will join Greece for the next two seasons.
