Isaiah Hartenstein, a beloved player among New York Knicks fans for his hard work and skill on the court, has made a surprising decision regarding his future in the NBA. Instead of staying with the Knicks, Hartenstein has chosen to sign a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This move comes as a shock to many, especially considering the Knicks’ offer of four years and $72.5 million.
The Thunder’s offer to Hartenstein is said to be front-loaded, meaning he will earn over $30 million in the upcoming season alone. This is a significant increase compared to what the Knicks’ All-Star point guard, Jalen Brunson, is set to make. Despite the financial incentives, Hartenstein would have received about $16 million in the first year of his contract with the Knicks.
Hartenstein’s role with the Thunder remains uncertain, especially with Chet Holmgren already playing center for the team. However, the Thunder’s general manager, Sam Presti, recognizes the need for rebounding, which was one of Hartenstein’s strengths while playing for the Knicks under head coach Tom Thibodeau.
During his time with the Knicks, Hartenstein averaged a career-high 8.3 rebounds per game, stepping up his performance when Mitchell Robinson was sidelined due to injury. He also showcased his defensive skills, averaging 1.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while holding opponents to below 53% shooting at the rim. Additionally, Hartenstein maintained an impressive 64.4 field goal percentage and averaged 7.8 points per game.
After playing for multiple teams in the NBA, including the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers, Hartenstein seemed to have found a home in New York. However, the opportunity to join a playoff contender like the Thunder was too enticing for him to pass up.
As a versatile player with a strong defensive presence and scoring ability, Hartenstein’s addition to the Thunder roster could prove to be a valuable asset. Only time will tell how he will fit into the team’s dynamics and contribute to their success in the upcoming season.