NBA trade grades for the Boston Celtics
General Manager Danny Ainge does it again, despite a growing reputation that he is not somebody who follows through on the deals that he phones about. He has fleeced opponents in the past, and while this isn’t quite a heist job, getting Fournier at that price, given the position the team currently finds themselves in, is a no-brainer.
The Celtics have fallen flat without their two stars players (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown) on the court so far this year, and the knee issues of Kemba Walker are a continued worry. Now they have Fournier who can fill in the gaps around these guys creatively, most likely propping up a bench unit that could really do with his veteran knowledge and ability to score in different ways.
There is also a chance, albeit a slim one right now, that Fournier could close for the Celtics in the playoffs, which could also work well for the team. Fournier can get it going from deep (career 37.6 percent from 3-point range) and has never been the unchallenged number one option for the Magic. Seeing less of the ball and spotting up around Tatum is something he will be comfortable with.
Beyond his on-court fit, the Celtics are excited to add Fournier to the locker room.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 25, 2021
Fournier was a bit of jokester in the Magic locker room and helped keep things light during some tough times for Orlando.
Defensively he is not bringing a lot to the table, but really the Celtics just needed a proven player to add to their rotation. Some have called them soft in many of their losses this year, and while there is some truth to that, Fournier isn’t exactly known as an enforcer. Nevertheless, and as already stated, for the prize the Celtics paid, you make that move.
It may be that Fournier is so impressed with a new organization and culture that he re-signs in the offseason on a team-friendly deal anyway. Given the guys who have been, and who will be, paid on the Celtics roster though, it is more likely that he goes elsewhere. Windows close quickly and unexpectedly though, and while Tatum and Brown are fit and healthy and continuing to improve, you try to put a winning product around them. To that end, Fournier really helps.