New York Knicks Trade Rumors: Five potential teams for Enes Kanter

Knicks Trade Rumors: Five potential destinations for Enes Kanter

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 01: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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.(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are nowhere near the playoff picture, so this does not represent a playoff destination for Kanter, unless he receives a buyout to head elsewhere. With money though, this makes sense for the New York Knicks to try to work out.

Jeremy Lin‘s expiring contract makes up for most of the difference in Kanter’s contract, at $13.76 million. It may only take the rest of Justin Anderson‘s contract to create a match.

By acquiring Kanter, if not bought out, the Hawks have a trial run to see if he fits into their future plans. Averaging a double-double in back-to-back seasons, it’s worth the investment for a team that’s far from the playoff picture.

Plus, Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len are not long-term pieces in their frontcourt picture. Kanter might not be, either, but on an expiring contract, they can see how he fits with Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and others.

For the Knicks, Lin returns to New York for the first time since 2012, returning to “Linsanity.” He has no future there, unless a willingness exists to take a small salary to back up the next point guard. Anderson is just a depth piece, and might not fit anywhere on the roster, potentially leaving via waivers.

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