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Summary
Fournier will be going into his age-29 season in '21-'22, so this may be his last chance to get a big contract. Fournier is a solid starting wing that has been overtasked as a leading perimeter scorer during his time in Orlando, and is now in a more fitting position coming off the bench in Boston. Fournier can hit shots while on the move, and has off-the-dribble game, but isn't a primary creator or someone you can consistently rely on to create offense. There are a lot of teams where Fournier would fit well as a third or fourth option, but it may be difficult for those teams to get Fournier in free agency due to their limited financial flexibility.

Fournier has shot over 40% from three the past two seasons, but he shot below-average at the rim for the first time since '16-'17, according to Cleaning the Glass, which could also suggest some regression. I think Fournier is still a starting-level wing, or at least a high-level backup on a really good team, so I think he'll get plenty of interest in free agency.
 
Cap Considerations
Fournier will be an unrestricted free agent with a $25.7 million cap hold and full Bird rights. Since the Celtics will be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Fournier's Bird rights, and have no restrictions on re-signing him. However, the luxury tax could come into play, as re-signing Fournier could push the Celtics deep into the tax. Therefore, other teams will have a legitimate shot at signing Fournier away from Boston without having to make a big offer.

Fournier would most likely demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which means only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Fournier and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

Potential Teams: Celtics, Spurs, Knicks, Pelicans, Grizzlies

Predicted Contract: 3-year, $45 million with the Celtics

Actual Contract: 4-year, $73 million (team option) with the Knicks

Fournier got more money and years than I expected, but the Knicks were able to get a team option on the final year. Fournier also has some unlikely bonuses that could give him an additional $1.5M per year if earned.

Last updated: 8/21/2021

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