The New York Knicks are feeling the sting of losing center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.
Having had a breakout season with the Knicks, Hartenstein made the decision to join the Oklahoma City Thunder on a lucrative three-year, $89 million contract.
Despite the Knicks’ efforts to retain him with a four-year, $72 million offer, they were limited by not having Hartenstein’s full Bird Rights, allowing other teams to outbid them.
On the “Roommates” podcast, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart expressed frustration with this NBA rule that hinders a player’s current team from matching offers from other teams with cap space.
Mavericks governor Mark Cuban acknowledged the common occurrence in the league where players outgrow their current team financially.
While Hartenstein expressed a desire to stay with the Knicks, the allure of a higher salary and the opportunity to contend for a championship with the Thunder proved too enticing to resist.
Despite the Knicks’ strong offseason, Hartenstein’s departure leaves a void as the team now relies on Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims at center.