Report: Kanter close to opting in with Knicks
New York Knicks center Enes Kanter is close to locking in his player option for $18.6 million next season, according to a report from ESPN on Thursday.
Kanter, who had hoped to sign a long-term deal this summer, has until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday to accept the deal or enter free agency.
The fiery big man averaged 14.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season and was one of the Knicks' bright spots in an otherwise dismal 29-53 season.
Kanter was traded to the Knicks last summer in the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to Oklahoma City. The 26-year-old has played for three teams in seven pro seasons and has a career scoring average of 11.7 points per game. Utah selected him with the third pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Kanter told the New York Post this week that he is looking forward to playing for new coach David Fizdale.
"With Coach Fizdale, I want to stay more," Kanter said. "I know his mentality, I know how much freedom he gives to his players. It's going to help my decision for sure. I think he's going to change a lot of things."
The 6-foot-11 Kanter has established himself as the Knicks' starting center. The team's backup, Kyle O'Quinn, declined a player option for next season.
-- Field Level Media
