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)
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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Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Sacramento Kings

Even at 19-20, the Sacramento Kings sit as one of the NBA’s biggest surprises of 2018-19. They were not expected to play competitive basketball, but a jump from Year One to Year Two for De’Aaron Fox, along with others, led to this playoff-hovering run.

If the Kings want that seventh or eighth seed in the West, will they make a roster upgrade? They are the rare team with cap space, and over $11 million of it, so a big salary can fit into the payroll.

Kanter’s $18.6 million goes beyond that, but the addition of Kosta Koufos‘ $8.7 million makes this match up. Add in a future pick from Sacramento, and it’s as seamless a trade as the other candidates. Iman Shumpert‘s expiring contract is another option.

Koufos’ contract expires after the season, so the New York Knicks do not assume extra money in this scenario. If anything, they can waive the veteran center so Mitchell Robinson and Luke Kornet’s respective roles stay intact.

In Sacramento, Kanter slides into the frontcourt mix behind Willy Cauley-Stein, Zach Randolph and Marvin Bagley III. It’s not an easy avenue for starter’s minutes, but an offensive upgrade behind them off the bench.

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While complicated, the New York Knicks have potential options for a Kanter trade. Will something happen before the deadline?