Enes Kanter released by New York Knicks after trade deadline
Friday 8 February 2019 06:50, UK
Enes Kanter was released by the New York Knicks on Thursday following the NBA trade deadline.
The Knicks made the decision having failed in their attempts to find a trade partner for the 26-year-old center in recent days, according to ESPN.
Kanter had been frustrated by a dwindling role with the Knicks, but is averaging 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 44 games.
Kanter's expiring contract at $18.6m made trade options a difficult match for the Knicks.
With Kanter and Wesley Matthews gone via buyout, the Knicks held onto center DeAndre Jordan.
ESPN reported the Boston Celtics, who found Greg Monroe as a midseason pickup last year, could be a prime landing spot for Kanter given their depth issues at center caused by injuries.
Matthews, per multiple reports, was headed to the Indiana Pacers in a deal that could be done imminently.
Kanter indicated after Tuesday's game against Detroit that he had played for the Knicks for the last time.
"This place will always be special to me. It doesn't matter, if I stay, leave, whatever happens," Kanter said.
