Isaiah Hartenstein Signs Three Year Deal With Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Signs Three Year Deal With Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein is landing in Oklahoma City. After an excellent two-year stint with the New York Knicks, the big man is cashing out. How does three years and $87 million sound? The #1 seed in the West just made a huge move to address their center situation. Adrian Wojnarowski just broke the news of the major contract:

It’s a sad departure for Knicks fans, as the former Clippers big man instantly got love for his hustle and physicality. An opportunity presented itself this season and he took it. When Mitchell Robinson went down in the Winter with an ankle injury, Hartenstein took the role as starting center for Tom Thibodeau and ran with it. He blew his previous career per game averages out of the water with 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Throw in another 7.8 points per game. As many Knicks started to get injured and go down, he was one of the few the remain healthy and play crucial minutes for their thirteen playoff games.

It’s clear Leon Rose and the front office had interest in return, but their hands were tied. After acquiring Mikal Bridges and extending OG Anunoby they are very much flirting with the second apron. $29 million per season blows anything they could offer out of the water. They do have Robinson, but will likely search the market for centers on either a Mid-Level Exception or minimum deal.

Thunder And Lightning

With an endless stash of draft picks and cap flexibility, Sam Presti had plenty of options to upgrade his team this summer. They drafted Nikola Topic twelfth overall but he will not play in the NBA this season. Adding Hartenstein to a group that didn’t really have a mobile big man is a huge boon. Chet Holmgren filled in admirably at the five but seeing how he does with an actual center next to him will be very interesting. His rebounding, tenacity, and heart will fit right in with what the Thunder are trying to build.

This is a story to feel good about. Originally a journeyman of sorts, he has a new home and should do great things for an ascending Thunder team.

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