After the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks are certainly skirting the line of total cap space. Currently, they have $225 million in total cap allocations and are just $6 million away from the first apron. They are $16.9 million from the second apron but need to be at the latter to afford an extension for Isaiah Hartenstein. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that the Knicks can retain him without making additional moves.
Strategic Moves to Free Up Cap Space
The easiest way for the Knicks to open up enough money to bring back Hartenstein is to consider trading Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is entering the third year of a four-year, $60 million deal, earning $14.3 million next season.
This amount would cover most of Hartenstein’s potential deal, which could settle around $18 million per season. Although Hartenstein is expected to receive offers well above the $16.4 million per season the Knicks can offer him via his Early Bird Rights, there are creative ways to improve their financial standings.
Evaluating Mitchell Robinson’s Impact and Availability
Trading Robinson might be in the Knicks’ best interest, as he has only played over 70 games once in his career. This past season, he appeared in 31 games, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. However, he was sidelined after only six playoff appearances due to injury. While Robinson is a top rebounder and an elite defensive player when healthy, his availability has been a consistent issue, which complicates the Knicks’ reliance on him for a championship run.
Hartenstein’s Value to the Knicks
Hartenstein has proven to be the superior player, particularly because of his playmaking abilities from the center position. He has been remarkably durable, playing 75 games or more in two consecutive seasons. This past season, he averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks. His performance justifies his anticipated free agency earnings and his chemistry with the Knicks’ primary starters is impeccable.
Trade Challenges and Opportunities
The challenge for the Knicks lies in finding a trade partner for Robinson, but they have sufficient draft capital to potentially sweeten the deal, facilitating the offloading of his salary. This would give them the financial freedom to re-sign Hartenstein, who is only 26 years old and has become crucial to the team’s strategy.
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Hartenstein’s Playoff Contributions
During the playoffs, Hartenstein played 13 games, averaging 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His skills as a passing center are unmatched, and the Knicks recognize his importance to their overall strategy, especially with the substantial improvements they have made across the board.