Knicks Waive Enes Kanter After NBA Trade Deadline

Kanter averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds in 26 minutes this season with the Knicks.

The New York Knicks have waived center Enes Kanter after the NBA trade deadline, the team announced on Thursday.

Kanter released a statement thanking the Knicks and the team's fans for his time in New York.

"Playing in the MSG in front of the Knicks fans is something that I will always remember. Each day I spend in the NBA is a blessing and I look forward to my next adventure," Kanter said. "I wish nothing but success to the franchise and the fans as they take the next step in their own journey."

#Mecca 🗽🙏 pic.twitter.com/cMHUtMLb2T

— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) February 7, 2019

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported around the time of the deadline that Kanter and the Knicks were working on a separation that was expected to be finished on Thursday.

Kanter has previously vocalized his displeasure with reduced playing time. This season, he has averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds in 26 minutes per game.

Despite the Knicks shopping Kanter on the trade market, he was hard to move due to his contract. Kanter earns $18.6 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The Knicks made headlines last week when they traded star Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks along with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee. New York received second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews in the deal, as well as two future first-round draft picks.

The Knicks acquired Kanter in September 2017 in a deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.