On Friday, Knicks fan-favorite C Enes Kanter confirmed that he was opting-in to his contract and returning to the team next season.
There were reports in April that even if Kanter did opt-out, his goal would have been to get a long-term deal with the Knicks. But, anything can happen once a player hits the open market.
Financially, Kanter probably made the right decision to opt-in to his $18.6 million player option because this summer not many teams have excess cap space. Perhaps he's better suited for a long-term deal next summer, as teams are clearing the books for Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler.
Kanter admitted as much when discussing returning to the Knicks.
#MakeKnicksGreatAgain 😂 pic.twitter.com/CrliNB4hb1
- Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) June 29, 2018
"I've seen all the fans' reaction; of course, the Knicks, the city and everything," Kanter told Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. "I think it was the right choice because also this market is terrible. Just wait and play. See what can happen next year."
He says it would have been a 'big risk' to opt-out and wait for offers to come.
"I think it was a big risk to opt out and wait for them," Kanter said. "It was a big risk."
The 26-year-old even took out a $20 million insurance policy in the event that he suffers a career-ending injury next season.
In 71 games last season, Kanter averaged a double-double with 14.1 points and 11 rebounds per game. Since entering the league as the No. 3 pick in 2011, he has averaged 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, playing with the Jazz and Thunder before he was included in the Carmelo Anthony trade.