Thunder center Enes Kanter has a $18,622,514 player option for 2018-19.
Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript:
A source with knowledge of the situation told me "I'd be shocked" if Kanter doesn't pick up his player option next year. It's worth > $18M.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) August 26, 2017
I’d also be shocked if Kanter declined a $18,622,514 guaranteed salary. But sometimes players have different ideas about their own values. It’s nice to have confirmation from someone who has more direct insight into his thinking.
Kanter is an efficient scorer inside and from mid-range, and he hits the offensive glass hard. But he’s also a defensive liability, which is why he has settled in as a sixth man.
If Russell Westbrook signs his contract extension or re-signs and Paul George re-signs, Oklahoma City would be in for a sizable luxury-tax bill in 2018-19. The Thunder could look to unload Kanter if he follows through with opting in, but good lock finding takers who don’t require major sweeteners to absorb his contract.
At least, if the Thunder are stuck with an overpaid backup center, they’d have someone who also contributes positively on the court.
