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LA Clippers reportedly interested in Portland Center Enes Kanter

By Kenneth Hawkes

PORTLAND, OR - MAY 5: Enes Kanter #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free-throw against the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 5: Enes Kanter #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free-throw against the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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According to ESPN’s Royce Young, the LA Clippers are among a number of teams that are interested in adding Portland big Enes Kanter in free agency.

As free agency begins to dawn upon us, rumors are starting to surface regarding the LA Clippers. According to ESPN’s Royce Young, Portland big Enes Kanter has recently been deemed a target free agent for the team, along with the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kanter, 27, signed with the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this season after he was waived by the New York Knicks in February. In 23 games with the Blazers, Kanter posted averages of 13.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. In the playoffs, he scored 11.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.

With bigger free agent targets in mind like Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, Kanter wouldn’t take priority and probably wouldn’t be signed until later on in free agency.

It’s tough to say where Kanter would fit into the depth chart. He’s got starting potential and started in 14 of the Blazers’ 16 playoff games this postseason, but was forced out of the lineup after the Golden State Warriors got the best of him.

Kanter’s fit is another area of concern for the Clippers. He’s far from a strong defender despite standing nearly seven feet tall, and what he provides on offense doesn’t completely make up for it. The Clippers are in need of another center though, and he could be a fit for that role.

In addition, he would be in availability to teach the youngster Ivica Zubac a thing or two about scoring in the post and how he could fulfill his role more effectively. His veteran leadership and experience grants a role to be sealed in any team.

There’s no word of how much money Kanter will be looking to earn this summer, but something in the $5-$6 million range sounds right. He’s not a great player, but if the Clippers suffer any injuries, he could be good insurance for a few months while the team recovers.

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The LA Clippers are looking at Kanter and are going to incorporate their long term vision for the franchise and a potential role for him in Los Angeles. All us fans need to do now is put trust in the franchise’s front office, as they will make the capable decision that will benefit the team most.

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