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New York Knicks: Enes Kanter accepts player option for 2018-19

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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With two politically-charged tweets, New York Knicks center Enes Kanter revealed to fans that he’s accepted his player option for the 2017-18 season.

Entering Friday, June 29, the fate of the New York Knicks rested squarely in the hands of center Enes Kanter. With the deadline for determinations to be made about player and team options approaching, Kanter had an $18.6 million decision on his hands.

After months of deliberation, Kanter finally came to a decision about his future—and announced it in two politically-charged tweets.

Kanter expressed from the start that he wanted to remain a member of the Knicks, but he had as many as five rumored suitors in free agency. That inevitably prompted the 26-year-old to weigh his options, as short-term money could’ve been outweighed by long-term security.

Early on June 29, Kanter hinted at his future with a tweet that referenced the Make America Great campaign:

Roughly two hours later, Kanter revealed that he’s accepted his player option by posting another tweet with political traces.

Referencing Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump in a single day is one way to get the media talking about your decision.

Pomp and circumstance aside, Kanter will return to the Knicks on a salary that will pay him just over $18.6 million in 2017-18. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2019, when the Knicks hope to clear enough cap space to pursue a max-level player.

New York could then go over the cap to re-sign Kanter if the organization believes he’d be worth bringing back beyond the 2018-19 campaign.

Kanter certainly offers reason for intrigue as a nightly double-double threat who’s expanding his range to beyond the three-point line.

The key for Kanter in 2018-19 will be modernizing his offensive game while becoming more effective on defense. His effort and intensity are present as a rebounder, but he must prove capable of spacing the floor and switching against the pick and roll.

In the event that such transpires, it stands to reason that this won’t be the last time he receives a hefty pay day from the Knicks.

Must Read: Five reasons to re-sign Isaiah Hicks

Welcome back to the New York Knicks, Enes Kanter. The pressure is greater than ever before.