Enes Kanter and the Jazz reportedly table contract extension talks
Kanter’s agent said the center has tabled contract talks with the Jazz and will hit restricted free agency next summer.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Jazz and Enes Kanter could not agree on a contract extension and have decided to table talks in order to concentrate on the upcoming season, the big man's agent told Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski. The decision sets up the third-overall pick from the 2011 NBA Draft to become a restricted free agent next summer.
Kanter has developed quickly after joining the NBA as an overseas prospect. Utah has been cautious in playing him big minutes early, but he averaged 12.3 points and 7.9 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per game last season, all career-highs.
The 22-year-old could earn a huge pay day in the open market next season, but the Jazz will have the chance to match any offer sheets he signs with other teams.
Utah will be able to control Kanter's impending free agency by making him a restricted free agent once they offer him a $7.5 million qualifying offer next offseason, and he'll likely be able to find a more lucrative offer sheet. The Jazz just committed $63 million over four years to Gordon Hayward by matching an offer sheet he signed with the Charlotte Hornets this summer.
The Jazz are still in contract extension conversations with guard Alec Burks, the 2011 draft's 12th overall pick who averaged 14 points per game in 2013-14.
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