Enes Kanter is headed back to Portland in a three-way deal with Memphis and Boston. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Grizzlies will get Mario Hezonja and Desmond Bane (30th pick in 2020 draft), while the Celtics will get a future draft pick from Memphis.
Portland is acquiring Boston's Enes Kanter in a three-way deal with Memphis, sources tell ESPN. Memphis gets Mario Hezonjia and 30th pick (Desmond Bane) from draft night deal as part of trade too. Celtics get a future Memphis draft consideration.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 20, 2020
Kanter, who played for Trail Blazers during the second half of the 2019 NBA season, spent last year getting limited minutes with the Boston Celtics. In his time at TD Garden playing for Brad Stevens, he averaged 8.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1 assist per contest.
His best year yet in the league though has been with Portland, where he signed as a buyout free agent in 2019 and recorded 13 points, 8.6 rebounds in 23 games. Back then, he helped Portland reach the Western Conference Finals, where they were swept by the Golden State Warriors.
Home Sweet Home ❤️🖤
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) November 20, 2020
What a blessing to play for an organization like the @celtics ☘️
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) November 20, 2020
This team, this organization, the whole state made me a more complete player and a better person on & off the court.
Don’t forget to retire #11 😄
Thank you Boston 💚 pic.twitter.com/8U59LXAFA2
Kanter is expected to return to Portland and play as a back-up Center behind Jusuf Nurkic. He is still expected to get significant minutes to start the season, as Forward Zach Collins is still recovering from an ankle surgery.