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New York Knicks: Enes Kanter knows the ‘All-Star’ that will sign

By Rob Wolkenbrod

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 4: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 4, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 4: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 4, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Enes Kanter provided an unusual teaser on the New York Knicks’ free-agency plans next summer.

2019 free agency became a focus for the New York Knicks long ago, with 2018’s open market only gently used to sign one-year contracts that don’t impact the future salary cap. Now, they have $29 million in cap space, with more needed to hand a max deal to the marquee names.

The offseason won’t begin until the summer, providing clarity on the long awaited decisions for the NBA’s top free agents. However, Enes Kanter, somehow, knows who the Knicks will sign.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the Turkish center said he has an “idea” on who this “All-Star” is, but can’t reveal this player’s identity:

"“I actually do have an idea [of who will sign], but I cannot really tell,” Kanter said. “It’s a secret, but it’s going to blow people’s minds when he signs. I can’t give no hint because I’ll get burned big time.”"

Kanter also preached “patience” to Knicks fans, and they will win a championship in “five to seven years” if they land a “good” free agent” and draft pick.

That’s an interesting and unusual tease from Kanter, especially after his comments of unhappiness with playing time over the past few months. So, for him to somewhat “announce” this potentially good news for the Knicks is head-turning.

That leads to the most important question of all: who?

There are too many All-Stars that will hit the open market. For now, here are some of them:

It’s an intriguing list of players. Any of them can change New York’s fortunes for the greater, but some will have a grander impact than others, of course, including Durant and Leonard.

Durant, Irving and Butler have been linked to the Knicks over the past three months in some capacity. Whether via the rumor mill or public comments, they were all tied to wearing the orange and blue in 2019-20.

The other names are eye-opening and game-changing, especially Walker at point guard. There may be no long-term player at this position for New York, making this an area of need.

25 greatest players in NYK history. dark. Next

Kanter’s comments add intrigue, but nothing concrete. The answers won’t arise until free agency, when pen hits paper and press conferences happen to announce the signing, if it happens. Still, it offers food for thought until July 1, when the offseason extravaganza kicks off and sends the NBA into chaos.