Enes Kanter
The New York Knicks currently have two veteran centers on high priced expiring contracts on their roster, Enes Kanter and DeAndre Jordan. Although Jordan was originally viewed as a potential buyout candidate, the Knicks are reportedly interested in keeping him around according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Windhorst had the following to say on the situation on ESPN Radio:
"“One thing I’ll say about the Knicks: they’re making it look like they intend to keep DeAndre Jordan. You can extrapolate this out: [He] has a relationship with Kevin Durant. Although I don’t know how [the Knicks can retain the big man]. I mean, they can’t keep him at any real number.”"
Naturally, Kanter has become the odd man out. He did not see the court in Sunday’s game due to the acquisition of Jordan. Kanter still can contribute to a team and is averaging 14 points and 10.5 rebounds this season. At 26 years old, he still has a lot of basketball left in his career.
Kanter’s $18.6 cap hit and his post dominant style of play complicate a potential trade, so he obviously becomes a buyout candidate.
The Blazers already have a good rotation of big men led by Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, and Meyers Leonard, but Kanter would elevate Portland’s second unit and help them compete in the playoffs. Although his style of play is a concern, it also helps him create mismatches against modern big men.