Knicks lose Isaiah Hartenstein, who signs monster $87 million contract with Oklahoma City

With NBA free agency heating up, the New York Knicks took proactive measures by extending OG Anunoby before a bidding war could escalate. Despite their efforts, they faced a setback in retaining Isaiah Hartenstein, who accepted a more lucrative offer from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hartenstein’s Lucrative Deal with the Thunder

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Isaiah Hartenstein, previously a key player for the Knicks, has signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder. This contract, which breaks down to $29 million per season, positioned the Thunder as an irresistible option for Hartenstein, pulling him away from New York. His development into a quality player after years on the bench made him a valuable asset that the Knicks, unfortunately, could not afford to keep.

Financial Implications for the Knicks

The Knicks faced a significant financial strain after extending Anunoby and accommodating the salary implications of the Mikal Bridges deal. Even if they had reached the second salary apron at $189.5 million, matching the Thunder’s offer for Hartenstein proved to be unfeasible. The team will notably miss Hartenstein’s contributions of 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and a .644 field-goal percentage from the past season.

Adjusting to Hartenstein’s Departure

With Hartenstein’s departure, the Knicks are now tasked with finding a way to fill the void left by a fan favorite and a key performer. The focus remains on Mitchell Robinson, who carries a $14.3 million cap hit next season. Despite his sporadic availability—having played over 50 games only once in the past two years—the Knicks are betting on his health and performance to stabilize their roster.

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Knicks’ Offer and Hartenstein’s Decision

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that the Knicks had offered Hartenstein a four-year, $72 million deal at the conclusion of the finals. However, choosing $29 million per season over $18 million was a straightforward decision for Hartenstein, despite it being for one less year. At 26 years old, Hartenstein is expected to remain in prime condition through the duration of his new contract, underscoring the Thunder’s long-term investment in his abilities.