Kanter wants to stay with Knicks, could opt out to sign long-term deal

Enes Kanter is enjoying life in the Big Apple.

While the seven-season pro says he's leaning toward opting out of his $18.6-million player option for next season, he's open to re-signing with the New York Knicks on a long-term contract, Kanter told ESPN's Ian Begley.

In his first season with the Knicks, Kanter has averaged 14.1 points and a career-high 11 rebounds per game while starting in all 71 of his appearances.

Kanter logged 1,013 minutes alongside star big man Kristaps Porzingis; lineups featuring that pair in the frontcourt posted a net rating of minus-0.1 points per 100 possessions, compared to the Knicks' overall net rating of minus-4.2 points.