The Charlotte Hornets’ free agency will be a fun one, and they will be on a mission to upgrade their frontcourt this offseason. One target who makes a lot of sense is Isaiah Hartenstein, for whom the Oklahoma City Thunder holds an expensive $28.5 million team option for next season.
The market for quality centers will be thin. If the Hornets aren’t interested in addressing certain roster questions during the 2026 NBA Draft, then they have to be in the mix for Hartenstein. This is assuming the Thunder declines his hefty option and allows him to enter unrestricted free agency.
Charlotte Hornets Free Agency: Why Isaiah Hartenstein Is A Potential Target
Isaiah Hartenstein Is A Perfect Fit Next To LaMelo Ball
While Moussa Diabate is the presumptive starting center, bringing in Hartenstein might be one of the few players who could come in and start over him. The reason is to optimize the starting lineup with LaMelo Ball on the floor.
Hartenstein has the size the Hornets so desperately need. At seven feet tall and 250 pounds, he offers the big-bodied physical presence that the Hornets don’t have. At his stature, he can be a true defensive anchor for Charlotte.
With Ball being the primary facilitator, Hartenstein could take some of that burden off of him with his elite playmaking skills. His 3.5 assists per game this season would rank second on the current Hornets team behind Ball. He achieved that average in only 24 minutes per contest.
He also showed resilience against Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference Finals. It was a team effort, but he was a vital component in limiting him in a few games and forcing a Game 7.
Not to mention that Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson specifically named him in his exit interview in April. When speaking about how Charlotte can improve and the process behind it, he stated:
“The only way to get better is work, and I know we have a ton of workers in our locker room. That’s the consistent theme. Then at some point, you go get an Isaiah Hartenstein or Tobias Harris.”
He didn’t just say Hartenstein’s name for fun. He, along with Tobias Harris, fits exactly what Charlotte needs.
You could make a good argument that the Hornets haven’t had a true interior presence since Al Jefferson. Yes, Mark Williams had flashes of greatness in spurts, but availability is the best ability, and he averaged 35 games played across three seasons. That just won’t cut it in the NBA.
The Hornets’ Free Agency Salary Cap Situation Is In Good Condition To Make A Move
Even with the looming Brandon Miller extension and potential Coby White re-signing, the Hornets are still in an excellent spot to make a sizable move this offseason. According to Spotrac, Charlotte is projected to be $60.6 million under the 1st apron and $73.6 million under the 2nd apron.
This provides the Hornets with roster-building flexibility that many teams don’t have. When you add in the fact that the Hornets have quite a few expiring contracts in Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, and Josh Green, trades become much easier to facilitate.
While there are a lot of signs pointing towards the Thunder re-signing Hartenstein in the summer, nothing is certain. Even if Hartenstein is retained by the Thunder, the Hornets could opt to pursue another valuable player in the offseason.
The pressing issue remains with Oklahoma City on how they are going to navigate their salary cap situation. With Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams set to start making over $41 million each in the 2026-27 season, you need some pressure relief to offset the gigantic salary jumps. Players like Luguentz Dort ($18.2 million) or Hartenstein make a lot of sense.
Hartenstein’s team option could be declined, and he could re-sign for an economical, team-friendly deal. However, what if his agent believes he should explore the market and another team, like the Hornets, makes an offer he can’t refuse?
If the Thunder allow him to enter unrestricted free agency, there will be plenty of teams lining up to make an offer. The Hornets should be one of those teams, as they need a long-term answer and upgrade at center to contend. The Hornets’ free agency this year will be extremely important to see if they can build on what they achieved this season.
Featured Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
