Enes Kanter chose to sign with Trail Blazers over Thunder, others

Free agent center Enes Kanter signed a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night, the team announced in a press release.

Kanter became a free agent last Thursday after the New York Knicks waived him once the team was unsuccessful in trading him prior to the Feb. 7 deadline.

Kanter saw his role decrease with the Knicks this season, fueling his displeasure with the organization which led to his eventual release from the team.

While he eventually signed with the Trail Blazers, Kanter also apparently received interest from the Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics, according to NBA reporter Michael Pina.

The Lakers, Bulls, Celtics, and Thunder were interested in signing Kanter, per source. He went to Blazers because they can offer most opportunity for playing time.

— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) February 13, 2019

Speculation grew that the Thunder may try to bring Kanter back once he became a free agent, but the Thunder fan-favorite ultimately agreed to sign with Portland due to increased opportunity.

While Kanter is still close with a number of his former teammates, the fit for the 6-foot-11 center may not have been a great match since the team values versatile, athletic players that can defend at a high level and Kanter has proven to be a bit of a liability at times on defense.

The Thunder had three open roster spots, but since the news of Kanter signing with the Trail Blazers surfaced, Oklahoma City has since officially signed Richard Solomon and Scotty Hopson to 10-day contracts.

The Thunder may now target Markieff Morris.