NBA Trade Rumors: French Magic Star Could Be Next One On The Move

KEY POINTS

Orlando Magic need to decide on whether to keep or trade Fournier
Fournier will have a player option after this NBA season
Magic may encounter rough sailing once the NBA playoffs begin

The NBA trade rumor mill continues to be abuzz with no major names on the move as of this writing. After the Jordan Clarkson for Dante Exum trade, a player pundits feel would be dealt off next is Evan Fournier of the Orlando Magic.

Best known for his World Cup performance for France, Fournier is seen as a player likely to become a free agent this NBA offseason. The 20th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft will have a $17.2 million player option in 2020-21 and most feel that he will not pick it up, ESPN reported.

Fournier has been having a fine 2019-20 NBA season. In 30 games, the 6-foot-7 swingman is averaging 19.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. According to Basketball-Reference, Fournier holds career averages of 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. From the numbers alone, it seems pretty clear that the French cager has picked it up a notch.

The Magic are currently at the 8th spot of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 13-17 win-loss record. They have a good shot at making the playoffs.

However, they may face tall odds if they end up facing higher-ranked teams. If the postseason wars were to start today, they would have their hands full trying to check the Milwaukee Bucks. If not, there are other strong teams to worry about like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors.

Given those facts, the Magic need to evaluate their current NBA campaign. They could opt to keep Fournier and see what happens by the summer. However, there is the possibility that they end up with nothing if the two-time Pro A Rising Star opts to test free agency.

The safest bet is for Orlando to listen to offers. An NBA trade could happen only if there are right assets dangled. Head coach Steve Clifford will try to see the best scenario for his team at present and likely want a player who can provide the same things that Fournier currently contributes.

Fournier joins several names rumored to be on the move before Feb. 6. The others are Jrue Holiday and Danilo Gallinari. More names are likely to append that list in the coming weeks.