Former Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter Freedom said on Tuesday he’s officially begun his “transition” to a WNBA player — and he announced the move with a video that already has social media buzzing.
Freedom shared a clip of him lifting weights while shirtless on his X page at around 7:30 a.m., and by noon, it had already garnered over 1.5 million views.
“Let ‘The Transition’ to the @WNBA begin,” Freedom wrote in a caption on the footage. “Rules Are Rules! #LetFreedomPlay.”
In the vid, Freedom could be seen hitting bicep curls with a pair of heavy dumbbells. His barrel chest and shredded abs were noticeable.
Many of his followers on X raced to the comment section of the post to encourage him as he continues his pursuit of a WNBA career, with one writing, “It’s your time to fly, Queen!”
Freedom initially announced his intentions to join the WNBA on Friday, when he stated that “after careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines” of the league, he was “officially declaring” himself a prospect.
“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required,” Freedom said, “then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”
Freedom added that he was not intending to make fun of or marginalize anybody with his decision.
“I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions,” Freedom said. “I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices. I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.
“My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles. See you at training camp.”
On Monday, Freedom officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, sharing a video of him signing a document that requested the league formally make him draft-eligible.
“Officially official,” Freedom said. “@WNBA I have officially declared for the 2027 #WNBA Draft. Rules are rules! #LetFreedomPlay.”
Freedom played in the NBA from 2011 to 2022, logging minutes for the Jazz, Thunder, Knicks, Trail Blazers and Celtics.
