By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Celtics have found their big man in free agency. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, they are signing free-agent center Enes Kanter.
Sources: Free agent center Enes Kanter has agreed to a deal with the Boston Celtics.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019
Kanter, 27, most recently played for the Thunder and has also played for the Knicks, Jazz and Thunder. In 2018-19, he averaged 13.7 points and 9.8 rebounds as a below-the-rim offensive presence. He had a good playoff run after signing with the Blazers following a mid-season release by the Knicks, averaging 11.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 16 games.
The move comes after the Celtics found themselves in desperate need of at least a serviceable starting center in the wake of the departure of Al Horford to the 76ers. Aron Baynes is also headed to the Phoenix Suns in a trade from draft night.
Kanter will top a center depth chart that will also include sophomore big man Robert Williams. The Celtics have also extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Daniel Theis and signed undrafted rookie Tacko Fall out of Central Florida.
UPDATE: According to Keith Smith of Yahoo! Sports, Kanter will make just under $9.8 million in two years under the “room” exception. He will be paid $4.767 million in year one and $5,005,350 on a player option in year two.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.