Kanter leaning toward opt-out

ENES KANTER said he’s leaning toward opting out of his contract with a goal of signing longterm — preferably with the Knicks, but also possibly elsewhere.

It was a surprising development to come out of Thursday’s Baggie Day at the Knicks practice facility since Kanter owns an $18.6 million player option for next season.

With a small number of teams with cap space this summer and a miniature market for centers, the expectation was Kanter would take the big money next season and hit free agency when cap space opens up around the league in 2019.

But Kanter, coming off a strong season, just hired power agent Mark Bartelstein and is inclined to opt out.

“You could say that, yes (I’m leaning toward opting out),” Kanter said. “I’m not saying I’m in or out 100 percent. I’m just saying I want to stay here longterm because it’s always weird just having one year and then leave and come back. I’d rather stay longterm.”

This would have major repercussions for the Knicks, mostly negative. It would give them more cap space this summer, but they’re hardly an attractive destination — especially with Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely — and the goal was always to hold space until bigger stars become available in 2019.

If Kanter doesn’t opt out, they could have him on trial for another season before his contract comes off the books. That was always the plan.

But if he opts out, the Knicks will be left with the following difficult questions: Do they resign Kanter and, consequently, dip into their precious 2019 cap space? Do they choose him over Kyle O’Quinn, another center who is expected to opt out and become a free agent?

According to a source, O’Quinn has been asking for about $30 million guaranteed on his next contract. That’s far too much for a career backup on a losing team. Kanter is a better player.

“I told everybody I want to retire as a Knick,” Kanter said. “But I understand it’s a business but I told everybody I want to make New York my home.”