OAKLAND, Calif. — In a move that would make perfect sense for all parties, the Knicks and Kings have discussed an Enes Kanter-Zach Randolph swap, according to ESPN.
The trade of expiring contracts would give Sacramento a piece for a playoff push, relieve the Knicks of a potential headache in a disgruntled Kanter, and they would not be taking on any salary against their 2019-20 salary cap.
Both Kanter and Randolph are on expiring contracts. Coincidentally, Knicks GM Scott Perry signed Randolph to the Kings deal in the summer of 2017 before leaving for the Knicks. Randolph, who would be making his second stint for the Knicks (2007-09), played for coach David Fizdale in Memphis. He has been completely out of the mix in Sacramento, not having played a game all season.
According to sources, the Knicks want to move Kanter as long as they don’t take back any contracts that spill into this offseason’s cap space. Randolph fits the bill and plays power forward — where the Knicks are less fortified. The Knicks could also decide to waive Randolph and sign a prospect.
Kanter was demoted for second-year man Luke Kornet at the start of their concluded six-game trip. When rookie center Mitchell Robinson comes back from his new groin strain in about a week, Fizdale said he would try to juggle three centers, but that is only a challenge. Kanter has been vocal about his displeasure about not starting if the Knicks do not win.
Kanter is playing for a new contract and his statistics are bound to be affected, especially when Robinson returns and Fizdale still wants to see more of the 3-point-shooting Kornet.
Knicks officials also weren’t thrilled with Kanter over the timing of Friday night’s inflammatory rant in Los Angeles about his decision not to go to London amid his political war with the Turkish leaders. It came after the Knicks broke an eight-game losing streak, against the Lakers. A Knicks official clarified Kanter wasn’t making the London trip because of visa issues — which Kanter later denied.
Knicks owner James Dolan is close to Kanter and is one of his son’s favorite players, according to a source. Dolan supported Kanter’s decision not to play in London. The report said a deal is not close to happening — more so on the Kings’ end, even if Randolph is under contract and hasn’t played yet.
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