Isaiah Hartenstein has reached an agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a lucrative three-year, $87 million contract, sources confirm. This move has quickly secured the services of one of the top available centers in the NBA free agency market for the 2024 season.
BREAKING: Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein is set to join the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million deal, as reported by @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hartenstein’s move from the Knicks to OKC brings a significant boost to the team’s interior presence. pic.twitter.com/DptmkuaP3v
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
The 26-year-old center, standing at 7 feet tall, is coming off an impressive 2023-24 season where he showcased his versatility by averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while playing a career-high 25.3 minutes per game for the Knicks. Hartenstein’s impact was felt significantly after moving into the starting lineup due to an injury to Mitchell Robinson, contributing to the team’s success with a 66.3% shooting percentage in 49 starts, resulting in a 32-17 record in those games. He played a crucial role in both offense and defense, contributing to the team’s top-10 rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Known for his offensive rebounding prowess and defensive capabilities, Hartenstein was among a select group of players last season with more than 80 blocks and 80 steals, showcasing his two-way impact on the court. His defensive presence was highlighted by opponents shooting just 52.5% when he defended at the rim, ranking among the top defenders in the league.
During the Knicks’ playoff run, Hartenstein continued to shine, playing a significant role in the team’s success against formidable opponents. His development over the years has been evident in his performance, earning praise for his consistency and humility in approaching the game.