**Isaiah Hartenstein, Thunder Agree to 3-Year, $87 Million Deal**
Isaiah Hartenstein, a key defensive center for the New York Knicks, played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have now signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million contract. Last season, he played in 75 games, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Hartenstein transitioned from a reserve to a starter after center Mitchell Robinson was sidelined by ankle injuries.
Oklahoma City, which ended the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference, reached the Western Conference semifinals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6. Adding Hartenstein strengthens the Thunder’s frontcourt, which already includes Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams, bolstering their competitive edge in the West.
The Thunder struggled with rebounding, ranking 27th in rebounds per game (42 rpg) and 28th in rebound percentage (48.4%) during the regular season. These numbers dipped further in the playoffs. Hartenstein’s addition is expected to improve these statistics significantly.
Hartenstein, at 26, is known for his versatility as a mobile big man who excels in passing, rebounding, and defense. His role with the Knicks expanded after Robinson’s injury, and he was instrumental in their progress to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In the 2024 Draft, the Thunder selected Nikola Topic (No. 12 overall) and acquired Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell through trades with the Knicks. Oklahoma City also enhanced its backcourt by trading guard Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso earlier in the offseason.
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