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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Chicago Bulls Jabari Parker (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls arguably make the most sense for a deal, given their own expensive player that sits on the trade block, Jabari Parker. He makes $20 million this season and, basically, has an expiring contract, since 2019-20, also for $20 million, is a team option.

By adding Kanter and Parker’s contracts to a trade, and with the New York Knicks’ trade exception from the Willy Hernangomez deal, this can work. If not, Trey Burke‘s $1.79 million fits as a complementary piece for the Knicks to send.

Kanter has no long-term future in Chicago, as they undergo their own rebuild and look to develop young pieces. Maybe that leads to a buyout. If not, it’s another veteran, like the Hawks, for the Bulls to provide a trial run to see if he plays into their future.

On the Knicks, Parker has the chance to regain value after a disastrous run in Chicago, as head coach Jim Boylen benched him in December. There are few players ahead of him in the Big Apple, and the organization has shown no issue with providing former lottery picks a second chance.

The $20 million team option seems like a long shot to be picked up. It costs the Knicks most of their 2019 flexibility. Do they work a restructured deal if both sides want to continue this partnership?

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