Enes Kanter is officially on the trade block
By Tony Heim
Enes Kanter is “absolutely” on the trading block according to one OKC Thunder columnist.
It’s official. Or at least that’s what Oklahoman writer Berry Tramel has led us to believe.
If Enes Kanter is in fact on the trading block, it means that Sam Presti is ready to overhaul the roster once again. Kanter is a solid piece for a Thunder bench that lacks scoring, but his $17.8 million cap hit is far too high for a player that could not touch the court in the first round of the playoffs.
The thing is, his contract could be seen as a really good value for teams in-need of a low post scorer. In his end-of-the-season presser, Presti highlighted how Kanter is an “elite” offensive force with the ability to stretch his range past the three-point line this offseason. Kanter’s 23.7 PER ranks him above All Stars John Wall, Klay Thompson and Kevin Love among others. His defense may be a problem, but a team looking to build their offense around him could look past that deficiency.
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Immediately the New York Knicks come to mind. Phil Jackson is adamant that they will play the Triangle next season; Kanter’s low-post game would be a perfect fit alongside the Unicorm 7’2 shooter Kristaps Porzingis. Take into account PorzinGod’s ability to protect the rim and make up for Kanter’s defense…hmmm.
We’ve noted how Carmelo Anthony could be a possibility for the Thunder, but a three-team deal is also a possibility. Oklahoma City is in vital need of a bigger wing who can play both ends of the court and Melo isn’t necessarily that guy. But Wilson Chandler with the Denver Nuggets? Or Mo Harkless with the Portland Trail Blazers? That’s the type of player Sam Presti would be looking to get in return if Enes Kanter is the only big piece being moved.
Oklahoma City will surely miss Kanter. And Kanter will surely miss Oklahoma City. But that’s the business of basketball, and if Sam Presti has an opportunity to make the team better because of it, he should pursue every avenue.