The Thunder’s first move of free agency was to bring back two key free agents Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. They have finally addressed their biggest need this offseason by signing former Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein. It was reported last night that the Thunder would have an in-person meeting with Hartenstein in Eugene, Oregon. According to Shams, Hartenstein and the Thunder were able to agree on a three-year, $87 million deal to pry him away from New York.
BREAKING: Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein plans to sign a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hartenstein departs the Knicks for an enormous contract and gives OKC a new anchor inside. pic.twitter.com/DptmkuaP3v
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
2024 NBA Free Agency: Thunder Add Former Knicks Center
The Thunder had around 30 million in cap space and their biggest need was adding depth in the frontcourt. They have done that by signing the best big man available in free agency. Isaiah Hartenstein is going to immediately help their rebounding issues as he averaged 8.3 last year with the Knicks. Adding Hartenstein will allow the Thunder to have a good three-big rotation next year with Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams. It will be interesting to see if Hartenstein will start for the Thunder and have Chet play at the four, or if he will come off the bench.
To go along with that, Hartenstein not being able to shoot outside. How will the Thunder be able to utilize his strengths without compromising their play style when he is on the floor? However, even with those two question marks, adding Isaiah Hartenstein to this Thunder’s roster is a massive upgrade with them in win-now mode again. Adding Hartenstein will allow Chet to play more on the perimeter while he handles the inside. Similarly, it will also bring a different dimension to the Thunder’s offense having more of a pick-and-roll threat. Hartenstein is a decent passer for a big man and his passing ability will help make up for the lack of outside shooting.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s Hefty Contract
The Thunder were able to sign Hartenstein, but it was a hefty contract to pry him away from New York. $29 million a year for a big who can’t shoot on the perimeter and could come off the bench is a hefty price. However, the good news is that it is a shorter-term contract only three years, so they aren’t investing a long-term commitment. Also, with it being a three-year deal it doesn’t compromise their long-term cap flexibility when their core players will be due for a contract extension. Finally, even though it was a hefty price. This move will immediately help them with their biggest weakness. The Thunder have had a very good offseason so far and with this signing could be the favorites to come out of the West next year.
