Enes Kanter All But Requested a Trade from the Knicks

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter is growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of playing time in the team.

Enes Kanter, who was accused of terrorism by Turkey, told the Knicks to trade him if they aren’t going to play him.

The final straw seems to have been coach David Fizdale’s lineup against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. According to Enes Kanter, he was told that he would be starting. However, the lineup was changed later in the day with Kanter relegated to the bench.  

“I want to play basketball. We’re all competitors. I want to play basketball,” Kanter said. “So just if you’re going to play me here, play me. If not, then just get me out of here.”

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“My job right now is just cheer for my teammates and try to be a good teammate, [but] what they’re doing to me is pretty messed up. I deserve way better,” he said.

Reportedly, Kanter was told last week that the team will prioritize the development of their two young centers. With those players, Luke Kornet and Mitchell Robinson, Kanter could be frozen out.

However, it was Noah Vonleh who started at center against the Houston Rockets. David Fizdale explained that the decision was intended to nullify James Harden.

“I was thinking how much speed I can keep on the floor to just balance it and keep up with him and be able to challenge him,” Fizdale said.

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“And obviously, he still went for what he went for, but I thought it at least gave us a chance to compete and win at the end.”

Kanter will earn $18.6 million this season, and he is in the final year of his contract.