Could Enes Kanter Be On His Way Out Of New York?

The New York Knicks (10-31) and Sacramento Kings (20-21) are reportedly discussing a trade involving veterans Enes Kanter and Zach Randolph. Both players are on expiring contracts, with Kanter due $18.6 million and Randolph at $11.6 million.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, nothing is close yet but the Kings are interested in sending out more expiring contracts.

New York and Sacramento discussing an Enes Kanter-Zach Randolph trade of expiring contracts, but nothing close yet, league sources tell ESPN. Kings would want to send out more expirings in a deal. A third team could be helpful.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 9, 2019

Kanter, 26, is averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds a game for the Knicks but has been in and out of the starting lineup as head coach David Fizdale has opted to give more minutes to second-year big man Luke Kornet.

Kanter reportedly met with Knicks general manager Scott Perry last week over his diminished role but did not specifically request a trade, according to reports.

.@Enes_Kanter says he has not asked #Knicks GM Scott Perry for a trade. pic.twitter.com/NJBvssPnZf

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) January 2, 2019

Randolph, 37, is averaging 14.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season – his first with the Kings. The veteran forward spent the 2007-08 season and 11 games of the 2008-09 season with the Knicks before being dealt with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Kings could be a good landing spot for Kanter. At 20-21, they’re tired for the ninth spot in the Western Conference with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.

At this point, Kanter, who opted into this year of his contract, doesn’t fit into the Knicks’ long-term plans.

It would seem like a long shot for the Knicks to resign him after the season as they look to spend money elsewhere, specifically to bring in a high-end free agent like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard.

If the Knicks front office is smart, they should pull the trigger on this deal. 2019 is all about player development and shedding salary to become a major player in 2020.