Knicks Rumors: Enes Kanter practically asks for trade after DNP

Recent New York Knicks rumors involve center Enes Kanter, who was not happy about his DNP against the Houston Rockets and essentially asked for a trade in his presser.

New York Knicks rumors are picking up with the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline just two weeks away. With their intentions clear, the Knicks rumors are going to be plentiful up until Feb 7.

New York is in a clear rebuild. The team has embraced that rebuild and is playing the younger players more minutes. It is a delicate situation because New York still has some veterans on the roster that want to play.

Courtney Lee has seen his playing time cut back drastically. After being a starter for a majority of his time in New York, he has been relegated to spot duty as David Fizdale has gone with the young guys in the backcourt. He has played in only 10 games all season.

Another veteran that has been his role fluctuate is Enes Kanter. Kanter has let it be known he does not want to be on a tanking team, but he had not caused any issues to this point. He moved to the second unit when Fizdale changed the rotation without much fuss, but his emotions have now boiled over.

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During Monday afternoon’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, starting center Luke Kornet suffered an injury. As a result, Kanter looked like he would be placed back into the starting lineup against the Houston Rockets. That did not go as planned and now Kanter is looking for a way out of New York.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Kanter was told that he would start against the Rockets by Fizdale. He came ready to play, but upon his arrival, he was told by assistant Keith Smart that he would be coming off the bench.

Understandably, this upset Kanter. Following the game, he essentially made a trade demand saying either to play him or send him somewhere where he can get on the court.

"“They told me this morning that I’m starting,” Kanter said of the Knicks’ coaching staff. “Now I come to the game and I didn’t even play. I’m trying to be a good teammate, but I want to play basketball. If you’re going to play me here, play me. If not, just get me out of here.”"

Kanter has expressed his dislike for the ever-changing role, but never to the level that he did following Wednesday’s game. After playing 19 minutes against the Thunder, a DNP is surprising, even against a playoff team like the Rockets. Kanter could have at least matched up with Kenneth Faried when he was on the court.

Instead of starting Kanter, Noah Vonleh was shifted over to the starting center spot. Lance Thomas, another veteran without a consistent role, was inserted as the starting power forward. Mitchell Robinson, a second round rookie, absorbed all the backup center minutes.

Kanter continued his postgame presser stating his desire to play, but also reiterating how much he loves the Knicks, the fans, Madison Square Garden and the city of New York.

"“It’s so frustrating,” Kanter said, per Berman. “In the meeting, [head coach David Fizdale] said I was starting. Now it’s coming here and coming to the game ready to go and I sit on the bench. … I deserve way better. They didn’t explain me anything. I’m just going to let my agent handle it. I love the Knicks, don’t get me wrong. I love the crowd and MSG and have love for this city, but I want to play basketball. Either play me or just let me play someplace.”"

Finding a landing spot for Kanter will not be an easy task given his contract. While it is an expiring deal, matching up the money he is still owed will be difficult.

The Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, with Zach Randolph being the main piece coming back to the Knicks. Randolph has not played a minute this season, so this isn’t exactly an inspiring trade for New York.

This will be a situation to keep an eye on in the coming days. It seems the relationship between Kanter and the Knicks is now quite fractured. Giving him playing time could help smooth things over, but at this point in time, New York looks committed to the youth movement.

It does raise an interesting question, though. At 26 years old, why is Kanter being given the same treatment as 30-year-old Lance Thomas and 33-year-old Courtney Lee, but 26-year-old Tim Hardaway Jr. has started every game he has appeared in this season and is still playing a full allotment of minutes?