The Boston Celtics used a portion of their $28.5 million traded player exception (TPE) to acquire Evan Fournier from the Orlando Magic. All eyes were on Celtics general manager Danny Ainge to make a move at the deadline amidst Boston's struggles this season and with Fournier's acquisition, it's safe to say he delivered.
In the aftermath of the wild March 25th trade deadline, the 62-year old executive explained his strategy on using the exception in the middle of the season as opposed to during the summer. He revealed that cashing in on Fournier's expiring deal made sense since they would have a chance to re-sign the 28-year old in the off-season and get him aboard long-term, according to Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports:
Danny Ainge said he deviated from not using the TPE in-season and on an expiring player because the Celtics had a chance to get a good player in Evan Fournier. He also said the Celtics have a chance to re-sign Fournier this summer.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 26, 2021
Obviously, Ainge would not trade for Fournier if he didn't like what the 6-foot-7 wing brought to the table. In a way, he could essentially slot into the role that Gordon Hayward had for them the last couple of seasons. Like Hayward, Fournier is capable of creating his own shot and could be a microwave scorer off the bench for the Celtics.
Ainge on Evan Fournier: "We talk about shooting with size. He's 6'7'', he can shoot. He can handle the ball. He can pass. … We acquired him with the idea he can be here for a long time."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 26, 2021
In addition, Ainge added that he made the move to give the team some semblance of hope amidst their underwhelming 2020-21 campaign.
Ainge: I want our players to feel hope, and I want our coach to feel hope and I sensed some discouragement internally with our guys and that was one reason why we did something now as opposed to waiting somewhere down the road.
— John Karalis 🇬🇷 🇺🇦 (@John_Karalis) March 26, 2021
As Ainge mentioned, the Celtics need some kind of a jolt. Perhaps bringing in a scoring enigma like Fournier could get them on the right track and play more consistently. What makes this deal sweeter for Boston is that they only needed to give up two second-round picks to acquire the 9-year veteran.
Prior to getting dealt, Fournier was in the midst of his best individual campaign with the Magic. In 26 games, the Frenchman averaged 19.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from long range.
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