The New York Knicks couldn't find a trade partner for disgruntled center Enes Kanter prior to the 3pm trade deadline, but Kanter's time as a member of the Knicks is still coming to an end.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks are releasing Kanter today.
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The Knicks acquired Kanter in September of 2017 as part of the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 44 games this season he is averaging 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, but he fell out of the rotation as head coach David Fizdale shifted his focus to younger bigs like Luke Kornet and Mitchell Robinson.
Kanter, 26, publicly expressed his frustrations with his lack of playing time in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, but the Knicks were unable to move him due to his $18.6 million contract. Additionally, Kanter will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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According to ESPN's Ian Begley, one team that is expected to pursue Kanter is the Boston Celtics, who cleared up a roster spot today by releasing Jabari Bird.
Boston didn't make any majors moves at the trade deadline, while other title contenders like the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers all traded for key pieces ahead of the post-season push. The Celtics are currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 35-19 record.
