Enes Kanter Trade Rumors: Knicks Getting Offers for Disgruntled Center

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter, who was recently moved to a bench role, has reportedly received trade interest from other teams.

Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported teams have reached out to the Knicks, though no trade is imminent.

Kanter, 26, has been clearly unhappy since being benched for Luke Kornet.

"It's very embarrassing. I understand we want our young guys to get better. But it's very painful to watch it," Kanter told reporters in late December. "I try to stay positive and help the young guys get better, but like I said, I have no idea why they're doing that.

"I don't understand. 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."

Kanter is averaging 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season. He's been a net negative on both ends of the floor, and the Knicks have been 6.5 points better per 100 possessions with Kanter on the bench, per Basketball Reference.

Kanter has come off the bench for the majority of his career, but that was largely when he was with playoff teams in Utah and Oklahoma City. The Knicks seemingly have little interest in retaining Kanter in the long-term, so a trade would make sense.

Finding a partner for a deal might be a little difficult, however. Kanter is making $18.6 million this season, which limits his pool of suitors. The number of teams capable of finding matching salaries will be small. The Houston Rockets could offer their longstanding Brandon Knight-Marquese Chriss package, but they're not in need of help at center.

The Knicks also envision themselves as players on the free-agent market this summer, so they're not likely to take on long-term money.

A buyout is probably the best option for all involved.