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Chicago Bulls: Buyout market nearly brought Enes Kanter into Windy City

By Andrew Miller

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 27: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks drives against Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 92-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 27: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks drives against Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 92-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Would it make sense for the Chicago Bulls to try and acquire the former New York Knicks forward anytime in the near future?

The buyout market is a place that can bring big opportunities for playoff contenders in the NBA that need to add a few veteran players at positions and areas of need. This year’s buyout market was more fruitful after the NBA Trade Deadline than about at least 90 percent of seasons we get to witness. The Chicago Bulls were also heavily involved in the buyout rumors this year.

With the rumors surrounding the status of veteran Chicago Bulls big man Robin Lopez in the Windy City, this franchise isn’t done with the buyout market yet.

There were also some reports that there was almost a link up with the former New York Knicks forward Enes Kanter with the Chicago Bulls. Earlier this week, Kanter did wind up with All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Some of the trade rumors surrounding Kanter and the Chicago Bulls included a link with forward Jabari Parker before the deadline. But, the Bulls dealt Parker to the Washington Wizards the day before the deadline commenced effectively eliminating the possibility of a Knicks deal involving Kanter.

After the Knicks weren’t able to work out anything with other teams to deal Kanter out of the Big Apple, the franchise made the move to buy him out. Kanter was one of the bigger names available on the buyout market this season. And, with the Chicago Bulls not having bought Lopez out yet, as of Feb. 17 a few contenders in need of a big turned to Kanter.

When Kanter signed with the Blazers, there were a few players previously on the roster that were apparently happy with the move. Portland guard Evan Turner highlighted his excitement for the move on his Twitter timeline.

Yet, this was likely a better move for Kanter to go to Portland instead of signing to make his way to the Windy City. Chicago isn’t in a position to contend at the very least until next season. In all likelihood, it will be the 2020-21 regular season before the Bulls can truly make it back into the NBA Title contention picture.

There is still a fruitful buyout market for contenders in both conferences at this point. The 2019 trade deadline made for the start to what will be a very interesting few months on the buyout market heading into a huge summer for free agency.

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Depending on where the Bulls land in the upcoming draft lottery, this could be a big off-season for them on the free agent market too. The possibility of Kanter joining the Bulls could still become a reality in the next few years, but it was close to happening around the deadline.

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