Oklahoma City liked what they saw from Enes Kanter this season.
Well, at least on the offensive end. The Thunder have wanted more scoring out of the center spot for a while (Kendrick Perkins was not that guy) and Kanter averaged 18.7 points and 11 rebounds a game after he was traded to OKC. He had an All-Star level PER of 24.9 after the trade. He was also his usual revolving door self on defense, something that Serge Ibaka helped mask, at least until Ibaka went down injured.
Speaking with Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman about the future, Thunder GM Sam Presti left no doubt that the team planned to re-sign the restricted free agent Kanter this summer and keep him in blue and white.
Other teams can make offers to Kanter, he can sign them, but it sounds as if the Thunder would just match.
The Thunder paid the tax for the first time this season and keeping Kanter (along with potentially re-signing Kyle Singler) would ensure paying it again next season.
However, with the salary cap about to spike thanks to the influx of television money, the Thunder can pay Kanter and others, re-sign Durant next summer (if they can) and still not be taxpayers. They have a lot of flexibility that way.