Knicks President Chose Fournier Over DeRozan In Offseason



Warning to New York Knicks fans: This story will not warm your hearts. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, a source says DeMar DeRozan would have signed with the Knicks last summer if they had matched the Chicago Bulls' offer. But team president Leon Rose "was sold on" Evan Fournier instead. 

Berman reports that Knicks' GM Scott Perry "wanted to take a longer look at DeRozan as a free agent, but Rose and his top adviser, William Wesley, were sold on Evan Fournier, whom they acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Celtics."

DeRozan, as we all now know, is having an MVP-worthy season, the best year of his career, and breaking records of All-Time NBA greats like Wilt Chamberlain

Fournier is... well, doing Fournier things. 

Now it's been learned that the Knicks were, indeed, near the top of DeRozan's list of destinations as a free agent, especially after the Los Angeles Lakers, his hometown team, didn't make him an offer. 

Knicks were informed DeRozan would have strong interest

"According to a source familiar with the situation," writes Berman, "DeRozan’s top choice — by far — was the Lakers because the Compton, Calif., native preferred to return to where he grew up. The Lakers, however, never made DeRozan a firm offer, despite some talks about parameters. The source said the Knicks were informed DeRozan would have strong interest in coming to New York if they put together the parameters of a deal."

Instead, the Knicks went for Fournier, and the Bulls swooped in and nabbed the 28 points-per-game scorer, in a sign-and-trade, for 4-years, $82M. 

The Bulls are currently tied for 1st place in the East, while the Knicks reside in 12th. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports