New York Knicks: Enes Kanter leading players on expiring contracts so far

Through the first month of 2018-19, how have players in contract years performed for the New York Knicks?

The New York Knicks entered 2018-19 with the majority of their roster in contract seasons. Some of them may remain for 2019-20, while others are playing for their next salary with another organization.

It’s through a 4-12 record so far, which places the Knicks near the bottom of not just the Eastern Conference, but the NBA.

Some players have struggled to perform with money on the line. Others have found little-to-no difficulty in the box score.

So, through the first 16 games, where do the players in contract years stand with the Knicks? Let’s take a look:

• Enes Kanter ($18.6 million): Opening the season as the starting center, Kanter stuck there for five games, until head coach David Fizdale moved him to the bench. With 15.2 points and 11.3 rebounds, it’s still a full stat sheet for the soon-to-be free agent.
• Mario Hezonja ($6.5 million): On a prove-it contract, he has stumbled out of the gate, shooting 39.7 percent from the field and 28 percent on three-pointers. Fizdale benched him for the first time this season, too, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Stock down for the fourth-year man.
• Kristaps Porzingis ($5.7 million): Porzingis remains out to recover from a torn left ACL. He may not return this season but recently updated the rehab process.
• Ron Baker ($4.6 million): Baker has played in just nine of New York’s 15 games — mostly in garbage time. He’s an early waiver candidate when the Knicks need a spot for their undrafted rookie.
• Emmanuel Mudiay ($4.5 million): Arguably a make-or-break season for Mudiay, he has taken the Knicks’ starting point-guard job in recent games. Through nine appearances, he’s shooting 48.5 percent, which stands, by far, as his career-high. Will it sustain and contribute to another NBA contract?
• Trey Burke ($1.8 million): Burke’s salary isn’t fully guaranteed until January. To earn it, he needs to find consistent time in Fizdale’s rotation, which he sat out three of the past four games. This is another Knick on a make-or-break year.
• Noah Vonleh ($1.6 million): Vonleh joined the Knicks on a partially guaranteed deal, but proved to be a worthy investment. He even rose to the starting lineup after five games. His long-term future is likely as an NBA reserve, and, so far, he has rebounded enough to become one, whether it’s with the Knicks or someone else.
• Luke Kornet ($1.6 million): Kornet played four games of garbage time and went to the G League. He’s a future waiver candidate.
• Allonzo Trier (TBD): Trier will eventually receive a contract with the Knicks when the 45 days of his two-way contract expire in December. He’s listed on here because a one-year deal is potentially in his future, but it would be wise for general manager Scott Perry to lock him up beyond 2018-19.

There are still 66 games left in 2018-19 for these future free agents to prove themselves on the New York Knicks. What’s next for these players?