BREAKING: Current Knicks superstar Leave for $60 Million Deal
Following their second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the New York Knicks are reassessing their strategy. They have several free agent decisions to make, including whether to retain starting center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein, who has been in the league for six years, has expressed a strong desire to remain in New York. However, several teams have the salary cap flexibility to offer him significantly more than the Knicks can.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report forecasts that Hartenstein will sign a three-year, $60-million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer. Pincus points out that the Thunder will enter free agency with around $33 million in cap space, likely to add size to complement or back up center Chet Holmgren. He suggests Hartenstein as a probable addition for Oklahoma City.
According to Pincus, the Knicks can only offer Hartenstein up to $16.2 million annually due to his early Bird rights. This is a figure the Thunder can easily surpass.
Hartenstein played a crucial role in the Knicks’ postseason success, especially after injuries to key players like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. Stepping into the starting lineup, he became a standout two-way center, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals during the regular season.
Thunder Interest in Hartenstein is Well Reported
The connection between Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder is a recurring topic. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that the Thunder are seen as the “top threat” to sign Hartenstein away from the Knicks this summer. Bondy wrote on June 10 that NBA sources believe Oklahoma City, which finished first in the Western Conference with 57 regular season wins, can make a stronger bid for Hartenstein than the Knicks.
Similarly, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports mentioned on May 31 that team executives frequently cite Oklahoma City as a likely destination for Hartenstein. He noted that the Thunder’s rebounding issues in their second-round loss to the Mavericks could drive their interest in the big man.
Despite this speculation, it’s unclear whether the Thunder will pursue a rim protector. Chet Holmgren played exclusively at center last season, according to Basketball Reference, which would require a positional shift if Hartenstein joins the team.
This potential move by the Thunder poses a significant challenge for the Knicks in their efforts to retain Hartenstein.
Hartenstein to Scotto: ‘I Love It Here’
In an April 5 interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Isaiah Hartenstein didn’t sound eager to leave New York. He acknowledged both the opportunities ahead and the uncertainties tied to the business side of the sport. “I’m focused on what I’m doing right now,” Hartenstein told Scotto. “I know I’ve put myself in a great position to get a little upgrade. Right now, I’m focused on the Knicks. I love it here, and hopefully, we’ll figure something out, but at the end of the day, business is business.”
When asked if he would stay in New York if the Knicks matched any offer he received, Hartenstein responded definitively, “Yes.”
Negotiations between Hartenstein and the Knicks can begin the day after the NBA Finals, which could be as early as June 14 or as late as June 23. However, official talks between teams and players won’t start until June 30. Regardless of the timing, Leon Rose and the New York front office are expected to present a competitive offer to retain Hartenstein. The final decision will rest with Hartenstein himself.