Brad Stevens’ first major Boston Celtics free agent decision looks genius in hindsight

Given recent comments made by Evan Fournier to the New York Post in which he questioned why the Knicks would bring the Frenchman back next season, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens’ decision not to re-sign the wing — which was the first major free agent decision Stevens made leading the C’s front office — looks like a genius move in hindsight.

“There’s no way they’re going to keep me — I would be very surprised if they did,” Fournier said. “At first I was, like, just be patient in seeing how the team developed. Obviously, there are gonna be changes and I’m gonna get traded. [I’ve got] 11 years in, big contract, they’re obviously trying to develop the young guys. So I didn’t play this year, so why would you bring me back?”

Fournier’s first season in the Big Apple saw him post similar counting stats and a slightly lower conversion rate than his half-season with the Celtics following the 2021 trade deadline, but his 2022 season saw him average 17 minutes per game and appear in just 27 games. While the Celtics had a clear need for a backup wing the past two seasons, at over $18 million per season, Fournier didn’t provide nearly the value necessary to warrant such a gaudy stat total. Sam Hauser at a fraction of the cost was clearly a suitable option instead.

The Boston Celtics made the right choices during 2021 free agency

The Boston Celtics had the chance to bury themselves deep into the luxury tax during the 2021 offseason, but Stevens instead chose to dole out one major extension — a four-year, $77 million contract for Marcus Smart — instead of multiple by passing on Fournier.

While it’s possible Stevens could’ve turned him into a rotation piece or two via the trade market, it should be noted that the Fournier TPE came and went without being used. At this point, New York may need to pay another franchise to take on the Frenchman’s next two seasons, which includes a team option for the 2024-25 season.

Stevens avoided a lot of headaches by choosing to pass on Fournier in 2021 free agency.