NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for Evan Fournier

NBA free agency destinations for Evan Fournier: 1. Boston Celtics

Who says you can’t go home? Or what was your temporary home for a few weeks? The experiment of Fournier in Boston had some issues, but it also had some successes and could be worth further exploring.

Fournier managed to fulfill the most important role he could with the Celtics, instantly becoming their best three-point shooter. During his brief Boston tenure, Fournier shot 46.3 percent from three, averaging 13.0 points per game. His 3.3 rebounds per game would also be a career-high if extrapolated over a full season.

Fournier showed a particular propensity for hitting on catch-and-shoot jumpers, making over half of his attempts. He struggled when it came to getting to the rim and finishing there, but that’s not the role the Celtics really need him to fill anyway.

If the Celtics choose to try and retain Fournier, it means they’re going for broke, as the Frenchman isn’t getting any younger. There has been speculation involving trading Jaylen Brown and re-signing Fournier could actually increase those rumors if the Celtics decide to try acquiring someone like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal.

As for the contract, it will probably land in the $15-20 million range, which will probably put the Celtics around $10 million above the tax line, depending on their other moves. That may seem prohibitive, but it may not be as much of a factor as the need to try and save money for the free-agent chase a year from now, projected to be a stronger class.

While Kemba Walker couldn’t fulfill expectations, his production still needs to be replaced to some degree. Keeping Fournier around is a good start to that process.