The New York Knicks have decided to emphasize developing their younger players in what has quickly become a lost season, and that could mean parting ways with veteran center Enes Kanter.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Knicks and Sacramento Kings are discussing a potential trade involving Kanter and Zach Randolph, both of whom are playing on expiring contracts. The Kings are looking to shed more expiring deals than just Randolph’s, so they may try to involve a third team.
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
Randolph is still having a productive season even at age 37, as he is averaging 14.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in his first year with Sacramento. He’s making just under $12 million this season. Kanter, who is in his second season with the Knicks, is on the books for more than $18 million.
Of course, there are issues with Kanter in New York beyond just his salary. Despite averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game (numbers that are at or near his career-best), Kanter recently lost his starting job and did not seem happy about it. The Knicks are 10-31 and heading for a lottery pick in next year’s draft, so they essentially have no use for someone like Kanter. A trade would make sense if they are able to find a suitor.
