Enes Kanter Freedom wants to play in the WNBA next season ... but for this weekend, he'll be a spectator, 'cause the former NBA big man intends to attend the Fever vs. Sky game in Chicago, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 6-foot-10 center is planning to make the trip to Wintrust Arena in Chi-Town for Sunday’s nationally televised matchup ... starring Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.

Our sources tell us Kanter is taking "major security measures" to ensure his safety at the arena.

Kanter kicked a hornet's nest recently when he declared himself eligible for the '27 WNBA Draft, arguing the league's current self-identification guidelines mean he meets the requirements to compete.

In fact, he even floated the idea of teaming up with Clark, joking the potential pairing would be a "modern Kobe and Shaq."

The 11-year NBA vet has consistently framed his draft declaration as being about support for women, adamantly saying he's not mocking the trans community ... something his critics have accused him of doing.

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It's unclear if the WNBA, Fever, and/or the Sky are aware of Kanter's plans, or whether they'll try and stop him from pulling up to the game on Sunday.

The Fever vs. Sky tip-off tomorrow at 7PM ET.

Stay tuned ...