With the trade deadline approaching on March 25, the Charlotte Hornets continue to be reported to be interested in several players. The most recent rumor for the Hornets is their interest in Orlando Magic guard/forward Evan Fournier.
On Monday, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported that the Hornets are interested in Fournier. He’s spent his last seven seasons with the Orlando Magic.
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Fournier isn’t the first Magic player the Hornets have been linked to, the team also has been reported to be interested in center Nikola Vucevic. It’s hard to imagine Charlotte acquiring both players because of what the team would have to give up in return; trading for Vucevic alone won’t be cheap.
The Magic look to be having a losing season, so they could be sellers at the trade deadline looking to acquire future draft picks and salary cap relief.
Fournier has been having a solid season for the Magic. He’s averaging career numbers and had started in every game he’s played. In 21 games, Fournier has averaged 18.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game.
Fournier has been a consistent scorer from all levels as of late, and he’s played great defense on the perimeter. The Hornets struggle defending outside shooting, so that could be a reason why they’re looking at him.
The only downside about a potential trade that would hinder the team from acquiring Fournier is Fournier’s recent groin strain injury. He’s dealt with this throughout the season, but he has played well when healthy.
If Fournier is traded to Charlotte, he would be joining a crowded guard rotation with LaMelo Ball, Devontae’ Graham, Malik Monk, and Terry Rozier. It’s unlikely that Charlotte would keep all of them in a trade. Fournier’s salary is $17 million this season; the contract of either Rozier or Monk could be used to make a deal with the Magic.
Fournier has the ability to play the small forward spot, so he could see some time at that position off the bench relieving starter Gordon Hayward.