Evan Fournier is not a starter for the Orlando Magic as their roster is currently constructed but they still see him as an important piece for the present and the future. As a first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Fournier is eligible for a contract extension and both sides are reportedly on the same page when it comes to the money for a potential deal and a deal may be done before training camp, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
Fournier was drafted by the Denver Nuggets but spent last year with the Magic after being acquired in the trade that sent Arron Afflalo to the Nuggets. Fournier did start 32 games for the Magic but he is likely to be a bench guy this upcoming year and going forward. Fournier is still just 22 years old and could be a key player going forward for this young Magic squad so a potential extension would be a good move for them.
The Magic have Victor Oladipo as their starting shooting guard and Tobias Harris as their starting small forward which leaves no room for Fournier in the starting lineup. He and 2015 first round pick Mario Hezonja will likely be the bench wings for the Magic and will both be asked to provide scoring punch in their minutes.
While the Magic and Fournier appear to be on the same page in terms of money for an extension it is possible Fournier may want to wait it out and see if becoming a free agent could increase his value like Harris did. Another possible deterrent could be the fact that the Magic are loaded at the wing positions with young talent and Fournier may want a bigger role going forward which the Magic likely won't be able to give him. Despite all of the potential obstacles that may stand in the way of this deal getting done it seems as though both sides are on the same page and want it to happen and the reports are that it is looking like a deal will be done before the season starts.
In 58 games with the Magic last season Fournier averaged 12 points per game while making 38 percent of his three pointers. It's not easy to find a young player who can provide numbers like that off the bench and that is still improving so the Magic are right to want to hang on to him long-term.
