Evan Fournier signed a two-year deal with Olympiacos earlier this week. Before heading back to Europe, Fournier had an opportunity to sign with the Washington Wizards.
Fournier told L’Equipe that he turned down a two-year offer from the Wizards. Fournier said he didn’t want to be in a “mentoring role” for Washington’s young players. The veteran wing also said he wasn’t interested in being “on a losing team”.
The Wizards have drafted French players in the first round in each of the last two drafts. In 2023, Washington drafted Bilal Coulibaly. In 2024, the team added Alex Sarr. The Wizards may have been looking for Fournier to help mentor his two young countrymen, as they figure things out in the NBA.
Fournier’s deal with Olympiacos is reportedly for $4 million over two seasons. It’s unknown if the contract includes an NBA out or not.