Enes Kanter Demands Trade Following Benching

A disgruntled Enes Kanter sounded off on Wednesday night after getting no playing time in the New York Knicks’ loss to the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.

“I want to play basketball,” Kanter said, after receiving a Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision (DNP-CD) on Wednesday. “If you’re going to play me here, play me. Or if not, then just get me out of here.”

With starting center Luke Kornet sidelined with an ankle injury, Kanter was expected to see substantial playing time against Houston. In fact, head coach David Fizdale told Kanter on Wednesday morning that the big man would start. Later in the day, however, assistant coach Keith Smart relayed the news that Kanter was likely headed for a DNP-CD.

Kanter wants out of New York. (John E. Sokolowski/USA Today Sports)

The decision to start Noah Vonleh was “frustrating” for Kanter. Fizdale said he started Vonleh in an attempt to slow down Rockets superstar guard James Harden in pick-and-roll situations. That obviously did not work, as Harden erupted for a career-high 61 points in Houston's 114-110 victory.

Kanter was informed by Fizdale last week that the Knicks planned to play young centers Kornet and Mitchell Robinson more moving forward. Still, Kanter was irritated by the fact that he was told he would start versus Houston, only to ride the pine for the entire contest.

"My job right now is just cheer for my teammates and try to be a good teammate, [but] what they're doing to me is pretty messed up. I deserve way better," Kanter said.

The 26-year-old Kanter is clearly not a part of the long-term plans for the rebuilding Knicks. Locked in a youth movement, the Knicks see no reason to play the seven-year veteran, an awful defender. He ranks 66th out of 67 centers in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus.

Teams interested in Kanter will be drawn to his scoring and rebounding abilities. He averages 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest.

Kanter wants out of New York, changing his tune from last month when he met with Knicks general manager Scott Perry and expressed his frustration with being removed from the starting unit—but indicated his desire to remain with the franchise.

A free agent at the end of the season, Kanter would like to be moved before the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 7.

Kanter, Burke Available in Trade Talks

The New York Knicks are steadfast on their youth movement and willing to part ways with veterans Enes Kanter and Trey Burke, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. Vorkunov writes that the Knicks would be open to moving seldom-used veterans Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas, as well.

Teams have reportedly reached out to the rebuilding Knicks (10-29) regarding Kanter’s availability, but trade talks have not progressed far. Kanter, a free agent this summer who makes $18.6 million this season, has been frustrated with his role on the team after being removed from the starting lineup back in December. He had a face-to-face meeting with Knicks GM Scott Perry on New Year’s Eve where he expressed his dissatisfaction with being pulled from the first-unit.

Enes Kanter is unhappy with his role in New York. (AP Image)

While Kanter is a double-double machine—averaging 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per contest—he is one of the worst defenders in basketball. He struggles particularly in pick-and-roll defense. He could be useful as a spark-plug off the bench for a contender, similar to how he was utilized in his playing days for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As for Burke, he has essentially been removed from the Knicks’ rotation since returning from a knee injury last month. He is also a free agent at season’s end. Burke is a natural scorer, averaging 11.2 points despite playing only 19.2 minutes per contest.

Lee, once a productive starter in the NBA, is a shell of his former self. Unlike Burke and Kanter, Lee is under contract for next season. He will earn $11.7 million in 2019-20.

Thomas, an end-of-the-bench player who has remained in the league because of his defensive ability, has a non-guaranteed contract for next season. While he won’t be in high demand for his skillset, his $6.5 million contract could help facilitate a trade financially.