Former New York Knicks center Enes Kanter has agreed to a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, less than a week after being released by the Knicks shortly after the NBA's trade deadline.
Kanter, who was reportedly being pursued by a number of teams, released the following statement today:
"I am pleased to announce that I have signed with the Portland Trail Blazers for the remainder of the season. I look forward to helping the Blazers achieve the ultimate goal of competing for a championship. Excited to meet me 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 acquired Kanter in September of 2017 as part of the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 44 games this season he is averaging 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, but he fell out of the rotation as Knicks head coach David Fizdale shifted his focus to younger bigs like Luke Kornet and Mitchell Robinson.
Kanter, 26, publicly expressed his frustrations with his lack of playing time in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, but the Knicks were unable to find a trade partner due to his $18.6 million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Blazers are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 33-23. Portland will host the Golden State Warriors tonight (10:30pm ET, airing on ESPN) before heading into the All Star break.