Analyzing Twitter Reaction to Enes Kanter’s Reported Trade Demand

Feb 4, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) dribbles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) defends during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. Memphis won 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

In case you went to bed early last night, Utah Jazz big man Enes Kanter told The Salt Lake Tribune that he hopes to be dealt from the club in advance of next week’s trade deadline. Needless to say, it was a tough night for Jazz fans given both Kanter’s decree and the team’s heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Mavericks only moments before the grim proclamation.

As is always the case when something like this transpires, fans and media alike have been quick to offer their take on the developing situation via social media. The following are some interesting Twitter reactions to Kanter-gate:

Trade scenarios will be a common thread in the days ahead and discerning which are actually realistic given the situations of the teams involved can be difficult. Thankfully, PnB’s own Spencer Wixom has put extensive research into exploring just that. As relates to the tweet above, Spencer cites an interesting possibility involving the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, other corners of the NBA landscape are pondering the possibility of adding Kanter to various rosters:

This is a possibility I found intriguing given the uncertain future of Tobias Harris in Orlando, although I’m not sure Kanter helps anybody defensively. Harris and the Magic were unable to agree to terms on a contract extension before the season which will make the forward a restricted free agent this summer.

If I were Magic GM Rob Hennigan, I would have a hard time letting Harris go and, similar to Kanter, there are questions surrounding Harris’ defensive capabilities. Nonetheless, as a fan of the Jazz playing Gordon Hayward at shooting guard, I enjoy the idea of adding a lengthy player like Harris who has developed a three-point shot and can play at small forward or slide up to the four spot depending on matchups.

There is probably nothing here in terms of a potential deal, but it’s a nice thought. That said, here is something fans must consider when conjuring up possible return on any Kanter trade:

The truth of the matter is that Kanter is a developing player that still has some very large holes in his game, something the Trib’s Tony Jones was quick to point out:

In fact, there’s always the chance that the team hangs on to Kanter through the trade deadline and either looks to explore sign-and-trade options this offseason or simply allows him to depart in free agency. Whatever ultimately goes down, the Jazz faithful have been understandably riled by the recent turn of events:

A rather astute observation concerning Kanter’s antics comes from @Kurt_Solo:

Between trade demands and his veiled criticisms of Tyrone Corbin after locker clean-out last season, Enes is in real danger of tarnishing his image around the league. At the very least, he hasn’t done himself or the Jazz any favors. One can’t help but wonder how all of this will affect his future contract negotiations.

At any rate, that’s the pulse of social media in the wake of last night’s happenings. What do you think about the Kanter situation? Comment below or hit The J Notes on Twitter!