Making a ‘Top 3 SG’ case for James Harden may have signaled at him possibly having talks with the Clippers. But Evan Fournier is heading to Greece. For the first time in 12 years, Fournier is returning to Europe. That’s right, the French shooting guard, after awaiting NBA contracts has decided to return to his roots. He has signed a three-year deal with Greek side Olympiacos. The team’s rich and decorated history seems to have drawn the former Magic guard into their ranks.

Mattro Addreani announced the news about Fournier’s hike back to Europe. As part of the deal, he will earn close to $2.5 million per season. Despite his long absence from Europe, he will be amongst the highest-paid players in the EuroLeague in the coming season. Olympiacos though weren’t the only team interested in signing Fournier.

Sides such as Real Madrid and Milan had also conveyed their interest in signing the NBA veteran. Evan Fournier though chose to go with the Greek side. The last time the 31-year-old played in Europe was for France’s LNB A’s Poitiers Basket 86 where he spent two seasons before getting drafted in 2012 by the Denver Nuggets.

In his last NBA season, Evan Fournier spent brief stints with the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. Despite his successful Paris Olympics, where he was the third-highest scorer for France, no NBA team came forth with a contract for the former Magic guard. With his support of Harden, some Clippers buzz did ring. The team would appreciate a veteran addition. But it seems he is ready to move on from the NBA, joining a coveted list of ballers such as DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard who traveled to international basketball recently.

The only difference though is Fournier got the team of his dreams.

Evan Fournier spoke his Olympiacos union into existence

Two years ago Evan Fournier was an impact-making component for the New York Knicks. Averaging 14 points, he had a stable NBA career. Even then, the thought of going back to Europe did circle his mind. He took to Twitter to express his desire to play for one club in Europe. It just so happened to be Olympiacos.

“If I ever had to go back to Europe and I had the choice to go where I wanted, I think I would go to Olympiacos. It’s still a hell of a club #F4GLORY,” he wrote in his tweet. 

As a sporting club, Olympiacos has a rich heritage. They aren’t just a basketball team but spread out in many sports such as soccer, volleyball, and more.  Additionally, they will also be celebrating their 100-year anniversary this season, which might be among the reasons to invite a high-profile talent such as Evan Fournier.

The 31-year-old still has basketball juices flowing within him. And with Olympiacos being his ‘dream’ destination, it just might be the marriage that awakens his spark once again.