NBA rumors: Kings, Knicks discussing Zach Randolph-Enes Kanter trade

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Zach Randolph hasn't played a single game for the Sacramento Kings this season, and the power forward’s tenure with the franchise soon could come to an end.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that the Kings are talking to the New York Knicks about trading Randolph for the expiring contract of center Enes Kanter.

According to Woj, the Kings would like to send additional expiring contracts out in the trade, and a third team might need to be brought in to help facilitate.

The Kings have a few other expiring contracts on their roster. Shooting guards Iman Shumpert and Ben McLemore, and center Kosta Koufos all will be unrestricted free agents after this season. Center Willie Cauley-Stein is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this summer.

In early November, Kings coach Dave Joerger and general manager Vlade Divac informed Randolph that he was out of the rotation and they would play the younger players.

Kanter has fallen out of the rotation in New York, and is looking for a chance to play. He's averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds in 41 games this season. He's in the final season of a four-year, $70 million contract.

While Kanter would provide help on the court for the Kings, he brings off-the-court issues. Kanter has been a vocal opponent of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and had his Turkish passport revoked in 2018. Kanter fears if he leaves the U.S. or Canada, he will be assassinated, so he is scheduled to stay in New York when the Knicks travel to London next week to play the Washington Wizards.

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