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New York Knicks: Enes Kanter addresses pending free agency

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Enes Kanter is eligible for free agency, but has an $18.6 million player option. The New York Knicks center recently discussed his future.

The New York Knicks are searching for a new head coach, but there are other decisions that loom large. One could argue that few are quite as significant as what will transpire with Enes Kanter, who’s eligible for unrestricted free agency.

As Kanter nears an offseason that will dictate his career trajectory, one question beckons: What will transpire with his $18.6 million player option?

It’s feasible that Kanter will opt in and accept a single season salary that few expect him to be able to command in free agency. It’s also within the realm of possibility that he’ll opt out and sign a long-term deal for more cumulative money.

In a recent interview with Royce Young of ESPN, Kanter made it clear that he would like to stay in New York, but acknowledged the complications of free agency.

No one is quite sure of what the offseason will hold, but it’s clear that Kanter would like to remain with the Knicks if it make sense for both sides.

It’s fair to assume that Kanter will opt out of his 2018-19 salary in order to secure a measure of job security. An $18.6 million pay grade is certainly appealing, but he plays a physical brand of basketball, and dealt with a surplus of injuries in 2017-18.

Thus, the idea of a long-term contract that could protect him from a potential decline in demand is at least in the back of his mind.

As for what this means for New York, the decision to either re-sign or part ways with Kanter could go a long way towards determining its future.

Kanter, 25, finished the 2017-18 season with averages of 14.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.9 offensive boards, and 1.5 assists per game. He became a fan favorite due to his infectious energy and relentless physicality on the court.

As the Knicks prepare for an offseason with limited cap space, however, Kanter’s salary has unfortunately become a point of contention.

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The question is: Will Enes Kanter be a member of the New York Knicks beyond the 2018 NFL offseason?

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