Restricted free agent center Enes Kanter almost transferred to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, but the Oklahoma City Thunder did not allow it matching the Blazers' offer to retain the improving big man.
In a report by ESPN, Kanter inked a maximum-level four-year deal with the Blazers worth $70 million with a player option following the fourth year.
But since he is a restricted free agent, Oklahoma City can match the offer to make him stay and they did.
Kanter was acquired by the Thunder in a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons last February.
The Jazz selected the 23-year-old no. 3 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft and has shown vast improvement each year in his stay with the team.
But before getting dealt to Oklahoma City last season, Kanter was already expressing his dismay with the Jazz and his desire to be traded.
Since arriving in Oklahoma City, Kanter has become an important part of a team trying to reach the playoffs despite their key players including 2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner Kevin Durant facing injuries.
In 26 games for Oklahoma City last season, Kanter averaged 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
He was performing better than in 46 games with the Jazz during the 2014-15 season where he averaged 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds only.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said according to ESPN, "We traded for Enes last season with the intention of keeping him as a member of the Thunder for several years to come, and we are excited that he will continue with us."
"He adds valuable depth to our roster, diversity to our frontcourt and the dimension that he brings offensively will positively impact our team," he added.
Kanter will now be part of a Thunder team that is one of the favorites to win the championship as Durant and Serge Ibaka are expected to be at their hundred percent next season after dealing with injuries.
