Knicks part ways with Enes Kanter

InsideHoops.com
February 8, 2019

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The New York Knicks and center Enes Kanter have parted ways.

The team yesterday announced that they have wwaived Kanter, who clearly loved New York as a city but was receiving less playing time than he wanted, for a team that is clearly rebuilding and focused mostly on their rookies and second-year players.

Kanter was quite vocal about his desire for minutes. That the team has waived him is not a surprise.

“From the moment he arrived in New York, Enes passionately embraced our franchise and our city,” said Scott Perry, General Manager, New York Knicks. “He is a courageous individual and we thank him for his many contributions both on the court and in the community. We wish him the absolute best moving forward, personally and professionally.”

According to a report from the New York Post, Kanter didn't accept a buyout -- he did not take less money in exchange for being waived.

Kanter, 6-11, 250-pounds, is averaging 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds over 25.6 minutes in 44 games (23 starts) this season. During his time with the Knicks, he averaged 14.0 points and 10.8 rebounds over 25.7 minutes in 115 games (94 starts) over two seasons. He was originally acquired via trade from Oklahoma City with Doug McDermott and Chicago’s second-round 2018 draft choice (Mitchell Robinson) in exchange for Carmelo Anthony on September 25, 2017.

With a 10-43 record, the Knicks currently have the worst record in the NBA. Which is actually a perfectly solid place to be for a team intent on rebuilding their roster.