Rumors: Kanter wants out of Utah, Suns want 1st for Dragic

Let’s update the status of a couple of pending free-agents who might be on the Celtics radar. Jazz center Enes Kanter told a reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune that he wants out:

But for the third-overall pick in the 2011 draft, the frustrations are about more than one night. Kanter grew tired of empty promises of playing time during his time under Tyrone Corbin and remains frustrated by the inconsistency of his role.

The Jazz and coach Quin Snyder have tried to balance time among their four primary big men — Kanter, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert and Trevor Booker. Snyder has admitted in the past that it has been hard to find time in some games for all four, and said matchups and performance would dictate who got minutes most nights.

Kanter made his frustrations known Wednesday as players headed their separate ways for the extended All-Star break. The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 19.

Kanter is an offensively talented big man averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, though his defense has been called into question throughout his career.

The emergence of shot-blocking phenom Rudy Gobert has cut into Kanter’s playing time. Unless there’s something specific the Celtics like about Kanter’s offensive game, I don’t see them making a move (now or in free agency). He’s not close to the rim protecting big man needed. Now if the Jazz want to deal Gobert, I’m all in.

In the backcourt:

Hearing Suns want a first-rounder for Goran Dragic and, rest assured, they’ll get it. Rockets got to be tempted.

— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) February 12, 2015

Just last month, our own Geoff Simpson made a detailed case for pursuing Dragic. I like Dragic’s game and think he’d be a great compliment to the Smart, Bradley backcourt.

But I can’t imagine Danny Ainge giving up a 1st round pick. I imagine the Celtics stand pat for now and make a substantial offer (up to $15 mil AAV) in the summer.