The Orlando Magic came into this season with high hopes as a young team hoping to take that next step and reach the playoffs. At 18-13 so far the Magic look like they have a real shot of doing that and one of the big keys has been shooting guard Evan Fournier. Fournier is in the final year of his rookie contract and he admits that he has thought about his free agency every now and then, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
Fournier was eligible for a contract extension this past offseason but both he and the Magic decided to forego a new deal as Fournier was betting on himself and the Magic were unsure if they wanted to commit to him long-term. Coming into the year it was unclear if there would even be a role for Fournier in Orlando but he earned the starting shooting guard spot and has started all 31 of their games so far. Fournier knowns that if he keeps playing as well as he has he will be raking in the cash this offseason.
"Of course. It is in the back of your mind. You are trying to play your best basketball. When I started playing basketball, it's about winning championships and being a great player. That's what really motivates me, being great. I don't want to be a mediocre player or average. I know if I have a very good season, the money is gonna follow," said Fournier regarding free agency.
Fournier will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season meaning Orlando has the right to match any offer he receives. For his part Fournier wants to stay in Orlando and many people believe the Magic won't let him go anywhere but it is not a guarantee because Victor Oladipo will be eligible for an extension this offseason too. Orlando will have to decide if they have enough money to invest in both guys and if not which of the two they value more.
So far this season Fournier has played great as he is averaging 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The 23 year old guard is also shooting 44 percent from the field and 39 percent from three and has made many clutch buckets for the Magic so far this season. Fournier is certainly setting himself up for a nice payday this offseason with his great play and the cap going up but it is fair to wonder if he is a lock to stay in Orlando moving forward.
