As we get closer to the summer in the NBA, recent New York Knicks rumors are that they could lose Isaiah Hartenstein to an up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder squad.
One of the breakout performers in the NBA this season came from the New York Knicks. With injuries thrusting him into a larger role, Isaiah Hartenstein quickly emerged as a very good center in the NBA.
The Knicks over the past few years have done an excellent job bringing in talent on very affordable contracts, and Hartenstein was no different. Hartenstein wrapped up a two-year deal this season worth an average of $8 million per season. For a player who was a starting center and a big contributor most of the season, that was some excellent value.
While Hartenstein might have been a great value for the Knicks, he will now be getting paid this offseason thanks to his improvements. Recently, Bleacher Report named the Oklahoma City Thunder as a potential destination for Hartenstein in free agency. Here’s what they had to say.
The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson (often hurt) under contract, but Hartenstein may have made him expendable, assuming both sides can agree to a contract. New York only has his early Bird rights, so the most he can get to stay starts at $16.2 million.
The Thunder are the obvious team with cap space to outspend New York. They need additional size up front, and Hartenstein is still only 26. It makes a lot of sense on paper, but Oklahoma City has to decide that Hartenstein is the right fit.
It is going to be a big decision for the Knicks on what to do with Hartenstein. He was a huge part of their success this season, but he is going to want a massive contract in free agency.
If the Knicks are going to try and pull off a blockbuster trade this offseason to acquire a star, that will likely impact their decision based on the salary cap limitations as well.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hartenstein would be a great piece in the middle to play along with Chet Holmgren. As a capable center on both ends of the court, Hartenstein would be an excellent piece to help push Oklahoma City over the top in the Western Conference.
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