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New York Knicks: Offseason largely dependent upon Enes Kanter

By Jared Yellin

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 can opt-in to the final year of his contract worth $18.6 million. This decision will have a massive impact on the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter has a player option for the 2018-19 season. His decision to opt-in can alter the team’s plans for free agency and the 2018 NBA Draft, given that the final year of his contract is worth a lofty $18.6 million.

Last offseason, the Knicks finally found a suitor for Carmelo Anthony, sending him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and Chicago’s 2018 second-round draft pick.

Although McDermott found a new home midway through the season, Kanter became a favorite in the locker room and around the city. He surprised many with his relentless rebounding and efficiency in the paint.

In 71 games for the Knicks last season, Kanter put up solid numbers at the center position: 14.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, all while shooting 59.2 percent from the field and 84.8 percent from the line.

His most impressive stat was PER, which he led the entire Knicks team in with a mark of 24.02. Despite obvious deficiencies on the defensive end, Kanter was a consistent piece for the Knicks and someone who they relied on night-in and night-out.

With his contract decision looming, many are beginning to wonder what he’ll decide to do.

Kanter has already explained to the media how much he wants to stay in New York. He told Howie Kussoy of The New York Post:

"“I told you from Day 1 I want to be here. … When I say I want to make New York my home, it’s no lie. I want to stay here long term. I don’t just want to stay here one year and then make a decision later.”"

Earlier this month, Kanter even made a pitch to recruit his on-court rival, LeBron James, to join him in New York. He tweeted:

While it seems clear that Kanter desires to remain in the Big Apple, how he chooses to go about it is the challenging part. He can opt-in for his $18.6 million next season, leaving the New York Knicks strapped for cash in David Fizdale’s first offseason as head coach.

Or he can opt-out in search for a long-term deal, although he will likely receive much less per year then his current contract is worth.

The Knicks have to watch his decision closely as it will have a huge impact on how they choose to construct their roster. The most beneficial move for the team would be having Kanter opt out and restructure a long-term deal with the Knicks at a discounted price.

This can give them the flexibility to add valuable pieces to the roster (preferably wing scorers). However, the decision is ultimately Kanter’s if he’s willing to part with so much cash.

If he does opt-out, do the New York Knicks want to go into a bidding war with other teams for a center who still struggles on the defensive end?

Must Read: Ron Baker accepts his player option

Or is his offensive efficiency and rebounding prowess too good to pass up on? A lot of questions are bound to be answered come July.

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