Knicks News: Enes Kanter Says He Didn't Request Trade During Meeting with GM

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter said he didn't request a trade during a Monday meeting with general manager Scott Perry despite his disappointment about the team's 9-29 record.

"I did not say, 'Scott, trade me.' No I did not say that," Kanter told reporters Tuesday. "Because I like it here a lot. And I probably won't say to Scott's face, 'Scott I want to get traded.' Because I like it here a lot."

He added: "But again, in the end, we all are competitors, basketball players. I like it here so much, but again I want to win. I want this team to get to the playoffs one day. This is my blood, man, I'm sorry. If anyone asks anything else, I'm not going to do it. I'm going out there to get a win every time."

Kanter, who recently moved to the bench in favor of Luke Kornet, previously expressed displeasure with his new role.

"I don't understand," he said Saturday. "This is too early in the season to shut me down. My goal is to go out there and try to be an All-Star this year. That was my goal. But now, look at the situation. You can't do anything about it. You've got to stay positive. Just got to stay positive."

The Knicks' struggles aren't surprising as superstar forward Kristaps Porzingis recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last February. There's no timetable for his return.

In turn, New York has focused on a youth movement led by Emmanuel Mudiay, 22, and Kevin Knox, 19, as they look toward the future. The team has also provided more opportunities for Kornet, Noah Vonleh and rookie Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt.

Kanter has averaged 14.4 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from the field across 38 appearances. But he's set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end and, barring an extension, it's more pressing for the Knicks to evaluate their other post options.

Enes Kanter with the Flush

The 26-year-old Turkish international noted much of his conversation with Perry focused on helping the development of younger players.

"That's what I've been trying to do. Just help the young guys and try to be the best teammate you can be. So that's what I'm trying to do," Kanter told reporters. "This organization is paying me. I don't want no free money. So every time I'm out there I'm going to try to get a win."

So it's clear Kanter and the Knicks possess far different short-term goals, especially with the center trying to bolster his value ahead of a potential foray into the free-agent market.

Now the question is whether Perry will attempt to move him before the Feb. 7 NBA trade deadline.