NBA Trade Rumours: 3 teams Enes Kanter could join in 2019

Enes Kanter will almost certainly leave the New York Knicks in 2019, however, the question remains whether the Turkish star will be dealt before the end of the season. Kanter is out of contract in the summer and the Knicks may look to get something in return for the 27-year-old before February's trade deadline.

Kanter landed with the Knicks as part of the 2017 trade for Carmelo Anthony, although the deal owed more to the franchise's desperation to offload their 10-time All-Star (Anthony), rather than their actual desire to acquire the center.

Despite this, Kanter looked as though he would get a fresh start after a disastrous 2017 playoff series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although his defensive shortcomings have once again been exploited by opposing teams. Ultimately, Kanter hasn't done enough to justify a new contract and it looks as though he has no future with the team.

So with the big man's time in New York seemingly coming to an end, here are three teams that Kanter could land on at some point in 2019.

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#3 Oklahoma City Thunder

Kanter celebrates after hitting a three against the Charlotte Hornets during his tenure with OKC

This move has no chance of happening this season, however, if Kanter is willing to lower his salary demands, then he may find a way back to the Thunder next summer. Kanter himself has continually spoken about his love for the OKC franchise since he left, and the center was also known to have a great relationship with both Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams.

Kanter left the Thunder back in 2017, although the team only replaced the center this season with Nerlens Noel. Nevertheless, Noel can opt out of his contract in 2019, so the Thunder may have to once again find a backup center for Adams.

If Kanter is willing to take a contract worth around $4million, then OKC will take him back in a heartbeat, although the Thunder will ultimately have no interest if the center demands anything close to his current $18m salary.

#2 Miami Heat

Enes Kanter for the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks

The Miami Heat have once again struggled this season despite playing in a historically weak Eastern Conference. Due to this, the franchise is likely to make major moves in a 2019 offseason, which will also see Dwyane Wade finally retire from the team.

Hassan Whiteside is the Heat's current starting center, and he is currently averaging a double-double for the season. Nevertheless, Whiteside is believed to have issues with the front office of the organisation, and he recently walked out during the 4th quarter of one of the Heat's games.

This toxic situation could convince the Heat to swap the 29-year-old in favour of a six-month rental in Kanter. While the Knicks will be reluctant to take on Whiteside's expensive contract, a third team could potentially enter the trade, and take Whiteside. If a deal can be made, then the Knicks will be happy to get a young player or draft pick in return for Kanter.

#1 Washington Wizards

Orlando Magic v Washington Wizards

If the New York Knicks are desperate to move Enes Kanter before the February trade deadline, then the player may end up on the Washington Wizards. Just like the Knicks, the Wizards have made a disastrous start to the 2018/19 season, and reports have suggested that the team is finally ready to give up on the partnership of All-Star duo Bradley Beal and John Wall.

The Washington Wizards signed Dwight Howard as their new starting center over the summer, however, the 33-year-old is currently out injured and is also facing a number of serious off-the-court issues.

Due to this, the Wizards may be interested in the Knicks including Kanter in a potential trade for the wantaway pair of Beal and Wall. Out of the duo, John Wall, in particular, looks acquirable, and if the Knicks were to offer Kanter and a young player, then the Turkish center could be playing in Washington for the second half of the season.