Celtics' Enes Kanter picks up 2020-21 player option

Celtics center Enes Kanter picked up his player option for the 2020-21 season, reports Tim Bontemps of ESPN (Twitter link). The move locks in his $5M salary for the coming year.

A report last month suggested that Kanter might surprise a lot of people by entering the free agent market. Given the current economic climate, as well as Kanter’s diminished role during the resumption, he ultimately chose to keep the guaranteed money.

Kanter was part of the Celtics’ big man rotation most of the regular season, averaging 8.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG in 16.9 MPG. His defensive shortcomings and lack of a perimeter shot led coach Brad Stevens to lean on Daniel Theis in the postseason. Kanter, 28, made only 11 playoff appearances and averaged just 9.3 MPG in those outings.

Kanter doesn’t figure to get significant playing time next season, but his expiring contract could come in handy at some point for Boston’s front office.