Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC Thunder agree to 3-year contract in NBA free agency, per reports
Joel LorenziFree agent center Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a three-year, $87-million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to multiple reports on Monday.
Hartenstein, who played pivotal minutes for an injury-laden New York Knicks squad this season, has been linked to the Thunder since season’s end. Oklahoma City’s interest in Hartenstein materialized with a trip to his hometown of Eugene, Oregon, where Thunder brass reportedly met the center at the start of Sunday’s free agency period.
Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds this past season. With his physicality, defensive intensity and rebounding, the 7-footer was a necessary presence near the rim.
He possesses all the qualities of a traditional big man that will fill the gaps OKC hoped to address but didn’t want to overcorrect. Factor in Hartenstein’s abilities as a passer, and he checks off more boxes than most available centers.
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It’s unclear if the Thunder is willing to start Hartenstein, but at the very least, he’ll provide relief for the brutality Holmgren will face during the season. Hartenstein is a non-shooter — he attempted just three 3-pointers last season — which begs the question of how the Thunder will incorporate him, and in what intervals or fashion is OKC willing to turn away from the five-out fashion of spacing that in enjoyed last season.
Still, the likely expectation is that the Thunder remains committed to Holmgren as the team's primary center, and that Hartenstein won't hinder his development or the team's commitment there. Hartenstein, who gave the Knicks some offensive options with his skillset and screen setting, is expected to add a new wrinkle to OKC's offense and give it different possible in lineups than a year ago.
Hartenstein, whose reported contract comes with an average annual value of $29 million, will certainly receive starter-level money, an expectation for one of the top available free agents in this pool. The Thunder's final figure might be a bit more than some expected, but it's the price general manager Sam Presti was willing to pay to own more matchup versatility. It was the price he paid to land the Thunder's most coveted — and certainly most lucrative — free agent signing in franchise history.
The Thunder also reported agreed to new contracts with guard Isaiah Joe (four years, $48 million) and guard Aaron Wiggins (five years, $47 million).
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Isaiah Hartenstein stats
- 2023-24: 75 games played, 7.8 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game
- Career: 322 games played, 6.0 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 0.9 blocks per game