Former NBA player Enes Kanter has become one of the most discussed names in women’s sports after declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
The ‘movement’ began as a protest amid the league’s refusal to clarify its inclusion and self-identification policies regarding transgender athletes. The controversy, sparked by comments from the Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, has since prompted several celebrities, NBA personalities, and political figures to weigh in.
Kanter is set for an exclusive interview with President Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara, on Fox News. While promoting the upcoming interview, the former NBA center shared footage shooting hoops with Lara, joking that she may also declare for next year’s WNBA Draft.
Enes Kanter Teases Lara Trump’s Declaration for 2027 WNBA Draft
Kanter’s post on X claimed that Lara will be joining the former Celtics player as an entrant for the 2027 draft. “Guess who will be joining the 2027 @WNBA Draft next? @LaraLeaTrump 💅🏽🏀,” it read.
While Kanter was merely joking, a range of WNBA fans ended up having a field day. For starters, one user claimed,
“Well, she’s a better shooter than Angel Reese, but what I really need to see is can she goink! a layin, get the rebound and goink! it again, maybe hitting the bottom of the rim doing so. If she can, she’s easily a third rounder.”
Well, she’s a better shooter than Angel Reese, but what I really need to see is can she goink! a layin, get the rebound and goink! it again, maybe hitting the bottom of the rim doing so. If she can, she’s easily a third rounder.
— Elgrandedingus (@Hilakestrout) August 22, 2026
“Definitely watching this over the WNBA,” the user posted.
Definitely watching this over the WNBA.
— Aden (@anaden2023) August 22, 2026
Critics of the aforementioned comment will point out that the user appears more interested in the league’s off-court stories than in the on-court action: an issue longtime WNBA fans often discuss when talking about newer fans who have only recently started supporting the league.
Meanwhile another user suggested that Lara would fit in nicely, writing, “You’ll fit right in with the WNBA!”
You’ll fit right in with the WNBA!
— Dixie Lawrence 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@DixieLLawrence) August 22, 2026
“Girl, you are so brave. Best wishes,” one user wrote.
Girl, you are so brave. Best wishes.
— Samnow (@Saamm2691) August 22, 2026
Another handle took the opportunity to take a shot at Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese, who is often criticized for inefficient shooting around the rim and frequently rebounding her own missed shots.
“Lara has a better shooting form than Angel Reese and Russell Westbrook,” they wrote.
Laura has a better shooting form than Angel Reese and Russell Westbrook.
— Lone_Star_Heat (@realglz956) August 22, 2026
Beer Man Zach wrote, “You go girl.”
The WNBA continues to deal with scrutiny regarding its stance on transgender athletes since Fever forward Cunningham addressed the topic back in July.
Besides Kanter, Royce White also declared for next year’s WNBA Draft, with the community divided over the intent behind the announcement.
While the league is yet to issue a clarification on its inclusivity policies, critics of Kanter believe his actions are nothing more than a publicity stunt, as the chances of a WNBA team drafting him next spring are minimal at best.
