Enes Kanter has found a new home in the NBA.
Kanter announced on Twitter that he has agreed to a deal with the Trail Blazers for the rest of the season.
#RipCity pic.twitter.com/4dTLXyZedg
- Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) February 13, 2019
"I am pleased to announce that I have signed with the Portland Trail Blazers for the remainder of the season," Kanter wrote in his statement. I look forward to helping the Blazers achieve the ultimate goal of competing for a championship. Excited to meet my new teammates, coaches, staff and most importantly the fans. It is a blessing to continue to compete at the highest level! Let's go Rip City."
The Knicks released Kanter last week after the NBA trade deadline in an expected move given his recent playing time. Kanter logged nine DNPs after head coach David Fizdale admitted he didn't fit the "versatile style of play" he is trying to implement in the Knicks.
This move didn't rub Kanter the right way, especially after he opted into his final year of his contract to stay in New York. He was vocal about sitting on the bench, calling it "a little embarrassing" for the Knicks to keep him off the court despite fans chanting his name.
David Fizdale's thoughts on Enes Kanter. Short, but sweet. pic.twitter.com/5Z0TPmlnQA
- SNY (@SNYtv) February 14, 2019
Being a solid double-double big man when he gets ample playing time, Kanter was expected to have suitors among playoff contenders once he was released. The Celtics were a team on his radar.
However, he chose the Blazers, who currently sit fourth in the Western Conference. Kanter will have some competition, though, as Meyers Leonard and Skal Labissiere will be battling for minutes behind Jusuf Nurkic.
Kanter averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 44 contests with the Knicks this season. He leaves New York with a career 14 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 57 field goal percentage over the past two seasons.
