Report: Enes Kanter most likely to opt out, test free agency

Signs are pointing toward Enes Kanter not being on the Boston Celtics roster once next season starts up.

According to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, there is an increasing likelihood that Kanter, who has a $5 million player option on his current deal, will opt out of his contract and test the free agent market after spending just one season playing for the Celtics.

There are a myriad of factors working against Kanter coming back for another season with Boston that Weiss lays out.

Kanter, who had his minutes cut down to just 9.3 per game in the playoffs, could see his limited role continue if he was to stay with the C’s, especially with the organization looking to give more minutes and responsibility to Robert Williams and Grant Williams.

Weiss added that Kanter at this stage of his career — Kanter has played nine seasons in the NBA on five different teams — is seeking a multi-year contract and could find a landing spot where he could maximize his political efforts, such as Washington, New York or Chicago, or take his talents to a warmer weather city.

Weiss does allow for the possibility that Kanter could exercise the player option on his deal with the Celtics, but that would come with Kanter realizing that the Celtics would try to trade him around the draft.

While abysmal playing pick-and-roll defense, Kanter was a proven commodity for the Celtics as he could provide instant interior scoring off the bench. Kanter averaged 8.1 points per game during the regular season and showcased his rebounding prowess, especially on the offensive end, to grab 7.4 rebound per contest.

From his opening press conference, Kanter brought a light-hearted attitude to the team that won him over not only in the locker room, but with Celtics fans as well.

But despite all the positives Kanter brings, it seems his tenure in Boston will last just the one year.