With the NBA trade deadline officially closed, the Knicks will release C Enes Kanter and newly-acquired G/F Wesley Matthews.
The Knicks made Kanter's release official in a press release, and he is likely to find a new team soon. The Celtics could be a fit for the disgruntled center, as Begley pointed out earlier this week.
"From the moment he arrived in New York, Enes passionately embraced our franchise and our city," GM Scott Perry said. "He is a courageous individual and we thank him for his many contributions both on the court and in the community. We wish him the absolute best moving forward, personally and professionally."
The Matthews release was also announced by the team, and according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, he is planning to sign with the Pacers. Matthews, who came over in the Knicks' blockbuster deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Mavericks, was expected to find a new home in the NBA due to his expiring contract.
On the other hand, Kanter opted into the final year of his contract to stay in New York to hopefully be one of the building blocks in their rebuild. However, head coach David Fizdale didn't see him as a fit for the "versatile" style of play, leading to his recent string of DNPs on the Knicks' schedule.
Kanter has been vocal about his recent benching. His latest jab came after his DNP against the Grizzlies on Feb. 3, where he called it "embarrassing" to the franchise that fans continue to chant his name from the stands, but he doesn't see the floor.
He also called Fizdale playing DeAndre Jordan, who the Knicks are going to keep despite his expiring contract, "disrespectful."
"I'm 26 and the guy just came is older than me," Kanter said. "I don't know man. I think it's a little disrespectful. Only reason I'm not playing is they think I'm old. Now they bring in more old guys. I just feel a little disrespected."
Now, Kanter will have the opportunity to join a contender that needs someone to bang the boards and get buckets, which is his forte. Defense, though, is a noted issue for the Turkish big man, as teams picked him apart in pick-and-roll schemes.
Kanter averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in 44 contests with the Knicks this season. He leaves the Knicks with a career 14 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 57 field goal percentage over the past two seasons.