Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein has secured a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, insiders revealed to ESPN. Departing from the New York Knicks, he joins the top-seeded West squad, keen to inject his stature, prowess, and vigor.
Hartenstein, 26, distinguished himself as a formidable starting center last season with the Knicks, stepping into the role after Mitchell Robinson sustained an ankle injury in December.
Hartenstein became a pivotal figure in an enchanting season for the Knicks, who triumphed in 50 games and clinched a playoff series for the second consecutive season, a feat last accomplished in 2000. He averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, participating in 75 games (49 starts) while boasting a 64.4% field goal percentage.
Hartenstein was one of merely three players last season to tally at least 85 blocks and 85 steals, and he limited opponents to under 53% shooting at the rim. Beyond his elite defense, Hartenstein exhibits remarkable vision and playmaking acumen for a center, though this facet of his game was underutilized in Tom Thibodeau’s offensive scheme.
Hartenstein began his career with two seasons at the Houston Rockets, then journeyed to the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and LA Clippers before inking a two-year deal with New York in the summer of 2022.
Owing to the Knicks’ limited early Bird rights on Hartenstein, their maximum offer was four years, $72.5 million.
The Thunder also finalized long-term extensions with key reserves Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, league insiders corroborated to ESPN.
Sources divulged that Wiggins consented to a five-year, $47 million pact, and Joe to a four-year, $48 million agreement.
The Thunder declined relatively modest team options on Joe ($2.1 million) and Wiggins ($2 million), aiming to secure them to multiyear contracts.
