Pistons Plan on Keeping Trade Deadline Acquisition From Knicks

At the trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons made a flurry of moves to reshape their roster. By far the biggest deal they made was sending Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic to the New York Knicks. 

Among the players the Pistons got in return for the two veterans was Evan Fournier. As an older veteran, some expected the French guard to be a buyout candidate. However, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that Detroit Plans on keeping Fournier moving forward. 

"Evan Fournier, who was excited to be traded by New York and eager for his new opportunity in Detroit, has played 25 minutes per game in his two games since joining the Pistons. While some around the league wondered if Fournier could hit the free agent market after landing with a rebuilding Detroit team, the Pistons have indicated they plan to keep the Frenchman, HoopsHype has learned."

Before being traded to the Pistons, Fournier appeared in just three games for the Knicks this season. That said, Detroit has given him an opportunity to play extended minutes. He scored 13 points and shot 40% from deep in his debut against the Lakers on February 13th. Fournier followed that up with 10 points and four rebounds a day later against the Phoenix Suns. 

The Pistons could be seeing what they have in Fournier before making a big decision this offseason. He has a club option for next season valued at $19 million. This would make him the highest paid player on the Pistons' roster. 

Detroit could keep Fournier as a veteran piece off the bench, or use his sizable contract in a trade later down the road. Nonetheless, the Pistons have no intentions on letting him walk in the short term.