NBA Trade Rumors: Enes Kanter Sets Record Straight In New York

The New York Knicks remain in rebuild mode, and this places Turkish big man Enes Kanter in a spot. There were speculations that he would likely be headed somewhere, but it looks like a move is something he is not really pushing for.

As mentioned in a previous post, the 26-year-old forward has been the subject of trade rumors that may go down by February. With limited playing time, the potential move could happen since the 6-foot-11 player could be of good use to several teams.

One logical reason behind a potential Kanter trade is that the Knicks may end up shopping the free-agent market. Kanter owns a $27.9 million cap hold, and New York could clear up some cap space and get other players to fill up other key positions. Aside from that, he is an impending free agent and could end up walking in the summer.

Regardless of what lies ahead for Kanter and the Knicks, the former set the record straight when he said that he likes it in New York and that he is trying to stay positive. He added that all he wants is to play basketball, according to a report from the New York Post.

"I do love New York. I’ve got no problem with New York. I’ve got no problem with the team, the organization or the fans. I love the media. [But] I want to play,” he said.

Unfortunately, the final decision will not fall on Kanter's hands. Several playoff-bound teams are expected to inquire about his status and dangle players or other assets which the Knicks are expected to take into consideration. No team has been linked to the third round pick of the 2011 NBA Draft as of this writing.

Knicks coach David Fizdale is aware of the growing frustrations of Kanter and other NBA vets on the team. He addressed that concern and summed it up by stating that he is not a robot but knows what he is doing.

"We got a bunch of them pulled in and out. I just wanted them to know I’m not a robot. I know what I’m doing may affect you one way or another, but you got to respond to it in the right way and make sure you bring yourself to work with a positive attitude and trying to contribute to the group," he said.

If Kanter is to change zip codes, his enormous salary is a concern. A potential contract buyout is possible and something that would allow him to once again play ball in longer minutes.