Portland Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter is hoping to become an American citizen.

The Turkish native revealed to Lindsey Wisniewski of NBC Sports Northwest he is hoping to earn his citizenship in June, even saying he might take on an American name:

ā€œIā€™m even thinking about adding an American name,ā€ Kanter said, via Wisniewski. ā€œI think itā€™s an amazing honor to become a citizen here. Iā€™m just like why not? Why not add an American name?ā€

Kanter's contentious relationship with the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been well-documented over the years.

The 28-year-old has been a vocal critic of Erdogan's, who in turn has threatened to arrest Kanter and even jailed his father, Mehmet, after linking his involvement to a failed coup attempt.

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Blazers make swift move on Arizona star after NBA DraftAlex House Ā·
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) and forward Grant Williams (12) react in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game five of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden.
Celticsā€™ trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depthBailey Bassett Ā·
Deandre Ayton photoshopped in Hornets jersey with number.
Hornetsā€™ trade proposal for Deandre Ayton finds Mark Williams replacementBailey Bassett Ā·
Yang Hansen looks on after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Blazers GM reacts to ā€˜Chinese Jokicā€™ comp for shocking pickOwen Crisafulli Ā·
Blazers' Yang Hansen walks to the stage
Jake Fischer reveals ā€˜Chinese Jokicā€™ comp from Nuggets for surprise Blazers pickJedd Pagaduan Ā·
Blazers' Yang Hansen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver
Blazers stun NBA world with 7-foot-1 Chinese star after tradeJedd Pagaduan Ā·

Kanter explained he stays in hotels, rather than buying a house or renting an apartment. He stressed that his living situation is safer for him:

ā€œThe threats are real and Iā€™m still getting them every week,ā€ Kanter said, via Wisniewski. ā€œBut I think America is doing an amazing job at protecting me because when I was with the Boston Celtics, most of the days I was going downstairs where I stayed and there was a police cop waiting for me. I asked our security team, what actually is this for? They are there for you if you ever need them.ā€

Kanter's gratefulness for the support he has received appears to be a motivating factor in acquiring citizenship.

When it comes to basketball, Blazers fans are sure glad to have Kanter back in Portland. He is averaging 10.1 points and 9.3 rebounds on just under 20 minutes per game through his first 14 appearances.

Enes Kanter will play an even more vital role with Jusuf Nurkic out for the foreseeable future, and might eventually earn a new contract with Portland if he continues playing at this level. Perhaps his teammates will even get to use his new name this summer.