I would agree that the Knicks didnt need the extra baggage (visa issues, stuff with Turkish govt) - and they werent going away for next season.
I don't think this was an issue. He has a US green card. I assume that's fine for going to Toronto, and Canada is not going to care about any Erdogan Interpol notice.
It did become an issue for the London game, but that was a one off. And mostly he was concerned about the reach of Turkish goons, a la Putin's Russian henchmen.
Basically for next year, the Knix simply preferred cap space to Kanter. Or another way of putting it is the Knix weren't planning on paying Kanter what he would be looking for next year. So when he became a distraction they dropped him. Kanter is a terrific rebounder and strong inside scorer. But can't really defend anywhere on the court.
POR needed to improve their bench (I still don't know why they didn't keep Ed Davis). Kant is a vet and can help, especially against 2nd units in short stretches. Rod Hood is erratic and a guy I never trusted, but he can get hot, is fairly athletic and a decent defender (though prone to dumb fouls). Layman has looked good recently, but who knows how he'll perform in the playoffs.
Kanter, Evan Turner, Seth Curry, Jake Layman and Rodney Hood
Also Zach Collins and Meyers Leonard. Those guys likely to play more than Layman. Pretty much Rod Hood takes all minutes from Layman, unless he stinks. While Kanter knocks MyLeonard from the rotation.
While both Kant and RodHood have glaring flaws, I like that POR is adding depth and trying to be a playoff threat.
If you can keep a game close, Lillard is a great closer.
And a stronger bench helps get you there.
I missed this:
The Kings traded Labissiere to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Caleb Swanigan.
Skal a future asset. Won't be ready this year and for these playoffs.
All I know of Swanigan is he was the guy who was 350 pounds in 8th grade ...
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