Here’s what we know about center Isaiah Hartenstein $87 million move to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder appear to have made a smooth move with the signing of New York’s big man. Here’s a look at what they’ve got in Isaiah Hartenstein.
NBA Free agency is in full swing and with that, we’ve seen the like of Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, and Paul George move to new teams, but the Thunder appear to have snuck in through the back door with the acquisition of one of the league’s most solid centers.
Thunder sign Isaiah Hartenstein
The Oklahoma City Thunder has taken a noteworthy step toward roster improvement after they signed the New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year contract valued at $87 million. Hartenstein was of course an integral part of the Knicks team that made it to the playoffs this past season, and quite frankly were it not for several injuries on the roster, would have been a team that made a deep run in the postseason. Where Hartenstein specifically is concerned, the big man averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game to go along with 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest.
Indeed, it was a breakout season in the ‘Big Apple’ for Hartenstein, one that resulted in him becoming one of the most talked about names since free agency opened. As per reports, the Knicks did in fact make an offer to him with the hopes of keeping him on board, but as has now been confirmed, OKC’s offer was simply too good to refuse. This of course begs the question as to whether this is a good fit and if we’re honest, it most definitely is. While it’s true that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a standout campaign as he led the Thunder to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season, the team’s lack of presence in the paint was ultimately exposed by the Dallas Mavericks, the team to whom the Thunder lost.
So, what have the Thunder got? A player who is a constant threat in the paint on both ends, one who has established himself as a rebound-getter. That is of course before we touch on his basketball IQ which was on full display during this most recent season with the Knicks. Add to that his quickness on defense when it comes to blocking and steals and you’ve got yourself a party. Ultimately, this is a player who deserves the deal he’s agreed to and a team that’s got a talent worth paying for. Now, it’s just a matter of figuring it out together.