(NewsNation) — Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom has declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Freedom played 11 seasons in the NBA before he was waived by the Houston Rockets in February 2022.

Freedom is listed as 6 feet 10 inches and 250 pounds on his NBA player profile. His desire to play in the WNBA follows controversy amongst some players, several of whom have said they would welcome transgender athletes to be part of a WNBA team.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has become the poster child for the debate after telling ESPN her thoughts on transgender athletes in women’s sports.

“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect. If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” Freedom announced on X.

“My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion.

“Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027. I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. 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.”

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement following Freedom’s announcement.

“We embrace justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change,” the statement read.

“Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

Last month, Freedom told NewsNation Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammates, and the WNBA more broadly, need to do more to protect the face of the league.