Olympiacos swiftly completed the signing of Evan Fournier after rumors first emerged late last night. Within less than 24 hours, the club finalized a major transfer that significantly impacted European basketball. The Angelopoulos brothers made a financial commitment, as the French player is set to earn a guaranteed €4.5 million over the next two years, plus performance bonuses.
Olympiacos released an official statement:
“BC Olympiacos announces the signing of Evan Fournier. The French international has signed a two-year contract with our team.”
Return to Europe After 12 Years
The 32-year-old guard began his career in France with Nanterre and Poitiers before being selected in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He went on to play for Orlando for seven seasons (six consecutive), as well as stints with New York, Boston, and Detroit (the latter as part of a trade for Bojan Bogdanović).
After Detroit chose not to activate a $19 million option for a new contract, Fournier became a free agent. While he expected an attractive offer from the NBA, it never materialized, and his interest in Olympiacos resurfaced in recent days.
Back in May 2021, Fournier won the hearts of Olympiacos fans when, following a dramatic loss to Efes in the EuroLeague semifinals, he tweeted:
“If I ever decide to return to Europe and could choose where to play, I think I would choose Olympiacos. Great club.”
Two years later, Fournier has proven he meant what he said, joining a star-studded Olympiacos team that adds even more excitement to the battles with Panathinaikos in Greece and the EuroLeague.
Evan Fournier’s Profile
- Born: November 19, 1992
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.98 m
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
Previous Teams
- JSF Nanterre (2009–2010)
- Poitiers Basket 86 (2010–2012)
- Denver Nuggets (2012–2014)
- Orlando Magic (2014–2021)
- Boston Celtics (2021)
- New York Knicks (2021–2024)
- Detroit Pistons (2024)
Last Season’s Stats
In 29 games with the Pistons, Fournier averaged 18.7 minutes, 7.2 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Achievements
- France National Team:
- Silver Medal at the Olympic Games (2020, 2024)
- Bronze Medal at the FIBA World Cup (2014, 2019)
- Silver Medal at EuroBasket (2022)
- Bronze Medal at EuroBasket (2015)
- Bronze Medal at EuroBasket U20 (2011)
- Silver Medal at EuroBasket U18 (2009)
- Individual:
- Best Young Player of the French League (2011, 2012)
- Most Improved Player of the French League (2011, 2012)
