NBA Trade Deadline 2019: 5 post-deadline buyout candidates

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks directs his teammates in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on January 30, 2019 in New York City.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks boxes out Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during the game on December 29, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Enes Kanter, C, New York Knicks

The New York Knicks made major waves ahead of the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline with a move that seemingly materialized and ultimately went down exceptionally rapidly. They, of course, traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and future (complicated) draft picks. That, however, wasn’t the only deal that they were trying to get done.

Throughout the entire buildup to the deadline, it was widely reported that the Knicks were shopping center Enes Kanter to anyone that would even nibble at the possibility. However, given the fact that Kanter is earning $18.6 million this season and is an expiring contract made it hard for him to move on the part of New York. Thus, he stayed in New York, but the Knicks have already announced that they’ve released him.

Kanter hasn’t been playing the best basketball of his career this season but has still been productive when on the floor. In 44 games this season, he’s averaged 14 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 53.6 percent from the field. He’s continued to be an old-school post player on offense with good rebounding ability, but often a liability as a rim-protector.

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Even still, the 26-year old center could be a valuable asset for a team that needs a low-post presence on offense to get buckets around the rim and clean up the trash in the rebounding department. There may not have been a trade market for him, but Kanter should have plenty of suitors on the buyout market.

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