Evan Fournier signs with Olympiacos after 12 NBA seasons. © Twitter (@POWCASTSPORTS)
After a 12-season NBA career, veteran guard Evan Fournier has decided to continue his basketball journey in Europe, signing a two-year contract with Euro League powerhouse Olympiacos worth over $4 million. This move marks a significant shift for the 31-year-old Frenchman, who has been a notable presence in the NBA but has seen his role diminish over the past few seasons.
Fournier’s departure from the NBA follows a challenging period with the New York Knicks, where he struggled to secure consistent playing time. His frustrations were evident as he voiced concerns about his limited opportunities on the court. The situation only improved a little after his mid-season trade to the Detroit Pistons in 2024, where he averaged 7.2 points in just under 19 minutes per game over 29 appearances, primarily coming off the bench.
The turning point came when the Pistons declined to exercise their $19 million team option for the 2024-25 season, making Fournier a free agent. Despite speculation that he might attract interest from other NBA teams, the allure of a more prominent role and the opportunity to compete at a high level in Europe likely influenced his decision to join Olympiacos.
Fournier is no stranger to the international stage, having represented France in multiple competitions, including the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. He was instrumental in getting his team to the gold medal match against the US, where he won a silver medal, his second consecutive Olympic runner-up position. Despite averaging slightly under 10 points per game during the tournament, Fournier’s leadership and experience were crucial to France’s success.
Olympiacos, based in Greece, is one of the most storied franchises in Euro League history. The team has made it to the Final Four for three consecutive seasons but has not won a Euro League title since 2013. Fournier’s arrival is seen as a significant boost to the squad, providing them with a seasoned sharpshooter who can contribute both as a scorer and a veteran leader.
For Fournier, this move represents a continuation of his basketball career and a chance to rejuvenate it. He will likely have a more central role in Olympiacos, with the opportunity to showcase his skills on one of Europe’s biggest stages. As the team aims to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of European basketball, Fournier will be looking to play a pivotal role in pursuing another Euro League championship.
