I am a big Kanter fan, and would love for him to remain a Knick, but considering his cap hold, and that it would take THE FULL MONTY MAX to even get Durant to sniff our shorts, let alone nibble on our ears, well, what is Turkish for best of luck.
Kanter really likes NY, and would be a fine backup C to KZ. We could always renounce him (freeing up the cap hold), and then see what the market offers. If he can't find a starting gig, or better than the $8M MLE (someone likely will dangle $10M or $12M, I suspect), we could re-sign him.
I was a harsh Kanter critic. And his defense is still awfully problematic. But he works hard, boards and scores inside, seems like a good teammate. I also like the way he's taken to NYC and stood up to Erdogan at significant personal sacrifice. He no doubt wants/expects a bigger role than 15-20 minute backup, but the NBA game has changed, making him anachronistic.
Given that GS can offer Kevin a fifth year and upwards of 40 million per, I don't find the argument that he would want to define his own brand in the Big Apple compelling.
I really doubt KD would bail on a dynasty.
But I believe he's one of 3 players who make more in endorsements than NBA salary. And he could count on likely an extra few $M off-court per year if he was in NY, up to an extra $10M if NYK actually won or became a true contender.
I think it's unlikely, but if you figure he'll get at least $20M that 5th year on a new contract. Then he'd only need to make up $5M per year in extra endorsements over 5 years to get to the equivalent of $45M that 5th year. Durant in NY would be a big deal and advertisers would jump on the bandwagon.
If KZ comes back healthy, Knox has a strong year and the Knix seem able to sort out the PG situation, we get a high draft pick, Knix might have a slight chance of landing KD.
Agreed and agreed.
I really dig Enes. A good cat. Fizz has thrown down the gauntlet to him. Be interesting to see how he responds. Is indeed anachronistic.
As for Kevin, well, think he was inspired to put on a show? I'm trying to remember? Didn't Kobe light us up for 60-80 points one night.
GS is dynasty, and a template for championship ball these next five years. Kevin might very well be taken by the big stage, and I found his comments about how MSG reminded him of playing at Rucker Park, only on the inside, intriguing. But the notion that GS is Curry's team, and KD wants a team OF HIS OWN?
A little thin.
But for once in our existence, even though both are EXTREME LONG SHOTS, we will have the cap space and potential core of youth, to attract, least ways, make a pitch, to the two premiere game changers in the coming summer of free agency: Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. And unlike our pathetic pursuit of LeBron and Bosh during the Donnie Dullard Epoch, we don't have to gut our team to make a pitch and open up cap space.
We shall see. The notion of a KP-Knox-Durant front court doth give one pause.
Meanwhile, a lot of interesting narratives and sub-texts amidst a sea of reclamation projects.