By WFAN.com
Enes Kanter is reportedly leaning toward excerising his $18.6 million player option and remaining with the Knicks next season.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, Kanter plans to explore every option before Friday's deadline, but he will likely opt in.
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There was some concern Kanter might move on from New York after he announced earlier in the season that he was looking to sign a long-term deal, but he might not be able to find an offer that tops the annual salary he's set to make with the Knicks in 2018-19.
Meanwhile, Kanter has expressed excitement about playing for new coach David Fizdale. He told the New York Post that Fizdale seems to have a great relationship with his players and is going to bring positive change to the organization.
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The center also told the Post he would love to mentor to Knicks second-round draft pick Mitchell Robinson, a center.
If Kanter indeed exercises his option, it would leave little money for the team to pursue other free agents this offseason, which is not a large concern. With Kristaps Porzingis set to miss most or all of the season, New York doesn't figure to contend for a playoff spot and would like to position itself financially to sign Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard, who will be free agents, next summer.
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Kanter would be a starter if he returns. He averaged 14.1 points and 11.0 rebounds last season.
