Knicks’ blockbuster trade could cost them their coveted free-agent center

The New York Knicks swung a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets for F Mikal Bridges on Tuesday. The trade did not affect the team’s pursuit of OG Anunoby, who re-signed with New York on Wednesday, but it could have a major impact on the team’s ability to retain C Isaiah Hartenstein.

Mikal Bridges trade has a massive impact on Hartenstein’s free agency

In the immediate aftermath of the trade, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that “the ability to [re-sign] center Isaiah Hartenstein becomes more difficult now. The Knicks are loading up on wings to match up with the NBA champion Boston Celtics.”

The Knicks are limited in what they can offer Hartenstein. The maximum offer New York can give to the big man is four years, $72.5 million. Following an impressive season with the Knicks, Hartenstein is expected to earn much more in free agency.

The Knicks’ financial situation further increases the difficulty in retaining Hartenstein

Given the fact that C Mitchell Robinson is expected to make roughly $13.6 million annually for the next two seasons, it may not be logical for the Knicks to pay two centers that much money, putting a deeper dent in their luxury tax situation.

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New York prioritizing wing players following decimating injuries last season

Given the unlikeliness of Hartenstein’s return, it appears the Knicks are prioritizing loading up on the wing positions. New York saw injuries to Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart affect their chances in the playoffs this past season.

The Knicks will do what they can to try and retain Hartenstein, who broke out as a reliable big man in his two-year tenure with the Knicks. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that they will need to explore other options, whether through free agency, or the trade market.