Enes Kanter wants Jazz to trade him before deadline

Jeremy Bergman | USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter is frustrated and wants to be traded before the Feb. 19 deadline, he told The Salt Lake Tribune on Wednesday night.

Kanter went out early during a 87-82 loss at the Dallas Mavericks with an eye injury and didn't return to play.

"It was not my eye at all," he told the Tribune after the game. "I don't know what it was, but it was not my eye at all. So we'll see what's going to happen."

The 22-year-old is unhappy with his role despite starting for the young Jazz, who are 19-34 under first-year coach Quin Snyder.

Despite Kanter's qualms, the fourth-year center's points, rebounds and minutes totals have increased each year he's been in Utah. This year, he's averaging 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 27.1 minutes a game. But second-year center Rudy Gobert has taken minutes from him lately alongside big man Derrick Favors.

Kanter will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Turkey native was drafted third overall in 2012.