Trail Blazers sign Enes Kanter to maximum offer sheet

According to Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman, general manager Sam Presti is planning on matching the Portland Trail Blazers’ offer to retain Kanter, despite the massive luxury tax implications.

Kanter, a 6-foot-11 center from Oklahoma City, is a restricted free agent, meaning the Thunder will have the opportunity to match whatever offer sheet Kanter signs with the Blazers. But at 23 years old, Kanter would give them another building block as they transition from two straight 50-win seasons. Enes expressed his desire to be a part of the Thunder in our meeting with him yesterday and we have planned in advance should he receive an offer such as the one that has been reported.

The Portland Trail Blazers were dealt a stunning blow last week when LaMarcus Aldridge officially announced he was leaving the team to sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

I like the move by the Blazers, even with a four year $70 million contract.

Kanter, who never played at United Kingdom after being ruled ineligible, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft. But a high percentages of his appearances came with both Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka out of the lineup. When Kanter was on the floor, the Thunder had a fantastic offensive rating of 109.6, a mark that would have ranked third in the National Basteball Association behind only the Los Angles Clippers and Golden State Warriors.

Kanter was acquired at the trade deadline by the Thunder in a three-team deal that sent Reggie Jackson to the Pistons.

While it’s expected for the Thunder to match Portland’s offer to Kanter, it’s not that much of a forgone conclusion.