AP Photo/Charles Krupa
The Boston Celtics are reportedly unwilling to meet the asking price for free agent Evan Fournier, who is seeking $80 million over four years, according to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald.
A source said negotiations are “not looking good” between the Celtics and Fournier, with Murphy noting the talks are “close to stalling.”
There is also reportedly “mutual interest” between Fournier and the New York Knicks if the forward can’t agree to a deal with Boston.
The Celtics need additional scoring depth behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, which Fournier provided last season after coming over in a trade with the Orlando Magic.
The 28-year-old averaged 13.0 points per game in 16 regular-season appearances after the trade and came through with 15.4 points per game in the playoffs. He was in the midst of the best year of his career before leaving Orlando, averaging 19.7 points per game in 26 starts.
His scoring ability has also been on display during the Tokyo Olympics as the go-to option for Team France. Fournier scored a game-high 28 points for his team in an upset over Tatum and Team USA.
A high price tag could still put Fournier out of reach for the Celtics, especially with the team already set to pay Tatum, Brown and Al Horford over $20 million each next season, per Spotrac.
Boston reportedly acquired guard Josh Richardson in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN, which could help provide additional depth if Fournier leaves in free agency.
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