New York Knicks: Five takeaways from 2018 media day

4. Enes Kanter wants to retire as a Knick, but…

Enes Kanter’s Twitter advocates the New York Knicks with every tweet. That included a recent “#MakeKnicksGreatAgain” message in response to the Jimmy Butler trade rumors.

In 2019, the Knicks will have over $30 million in cap space for a free agent market, that’s expected to include Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving. The removal of Kanter’s $18 million-plus salary contributes to over 50 percent of the available money, so his enthusiasm to stay in New York might not last after the 2018-19 season.

At media day, Kanter was asked about his outspokenness to bring big names to the Knicks, but with mention of his own free agency, which puts his future with the team in doubt.

Kanter expressed a desire to retire as a Knick. Of course, that can be his wish now, but if the organization does not retain him in July, it changes his career outlook.

For now, it seems unlikely the Turkish big man will remain in New York for the rest of his NBA run, given the money that may go towards a top name in 2019—unless he takes a significant pay cut to stay or the team feels comfortable with handing out a new deal. It’s still nine months away, but something to ponder.