NBA Trade Rumors: Kanter-For-Randolph Deal In The Works

GettyImages-859390958 — Zach Randolph could be returning to New York if the NBA trade deal involving Enes Kanter materializes. Pictured: Zach Randolph (L) #50 and Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings wear #VegasStrong T-shirts during warmups to honor victims of last Sunday's mass shooting before the team's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. On October 1, Stephen Paddock killed at least 58 people and injured more than 450 after he opened fire on a large crowd at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. The massacre is one of the deadliest mass shooting events in U.S. history. Los Angeles won 75-69. Getty Images/Ethan Miller

Seeing limited minutes but carrying an enormous paycheck, it may not be surprising if the New York Knicks suddenly deal off Enes Kanter to teams with sensible offers. And the latest word on this is that the Knicks are reportedly exploring a potential deal involving Zach Randolph, someone who played for the ballclub in the past.

According to the NY Post, the deal makes sense. However, the Knicks may need to add a future asset as well and find a willing third team for the trade to materialize. With so many factors involved, this trade could take some time to polish.

Kanter is a notable double-double machine, someone who could provide the Sacramento Kings a big boost. On the other end, the Knicks would be getting players with expiring contracts, which would no longer be a concern come the 2019-20 season. This should give New York added flexibility as far as salary cap concerns.

Randolph, 37, is at the twilight of his NBA career. Once his contract expires at the end of the season, he is likely to get short-term deals at best. Right now, he has hardly been utilized in Sacramento. Further, returning to the Knicks would make sense since the head coach, David Fizdale, is pretty much familiar with how to use Z-Bo, unless New York has other plans such as a waive or buyout, the NY Daily News reported.

Kanter is due to make $18.6 million this season, while Randolph will be getting $11.6 million.

Despite limited action, Kanter said that he is happy in New York. But when one looks at the ploys that the Knicks are using, it seems that focus is more on the younger players and planning ahead. Hence, the likely scenario is the Turkish center getting shipped, but his next destination remains unknown.

As mentioned in a previous post, there are several unidentified teams interested in trading for Kanter. But among the teams that could put him to good use include the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets. The list of interested teams could swell in the coming days as the February trade deadline nears.

Kanter made it clear that he wants to win. Unfortunately, that seems to be far from happening on the Knicks end -- meaning moving on with another team likely aligns with his outlook.

NBA Basketball