New York Knicks fans knew this was coming, but they still had hope. The first night of free agency came without a decision from Isaiah Hartenstein, which made fans even more hopeful. However, the center agreed to sign a three-year contract with the Thunder the next day.
Hartenstein was the top free agent on the market. Before free agency officially began, the Knicks offered him a four-year contract for $72 million (the most they could offer). That offer was not withdrawn, but Hartenstein couldn’t turn down the $87 million offered by Oklahoma City.
In an interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Hartenstein revealed that he would… He stayed with the Knicks If a lesser team had offered that much money.
“It was tough. If it wasn’t for a situation like Oklahoma City, with a chance to win, I don’t think I would have left. But that money is… You have to think about it, I just had a kid… But it was very difficult,” said Hartenstein, who became a father for the first time last month.
“I love New York. I love management, I love my team. So it was definitely tough. If it wasn’t a situation where I felt like I actually had a chance to win, I probably wouldn’t have left.”
– Isaiah Hartenstein, via NYP
Hartenstein signed with a team that finished atop a stacked Western Conference last season. Before the Thunder landed the center, they traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, one of the league’s best defenders. Oklahoma City added to an already impressive roster that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
As much as Hartenstein wanted to stay, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. If a non-contender had offered him that deal, it seems he would have stayed in New York. The Knicks were unlucky that, of all teams, it was the Thunder that wanted Hartenstein.
There’s no New York fan who should blame the center for making the best decision for himself and his family. Yes, Jalen Brunson took a massive pay cut, but his situation is much different than Hartenstein’s.
It will be strange to see I-Hart in a Thunder jersey. Let’s hope he does well in Oklahoma (but not against New York). How about an NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Thunder?
Next up: 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks. 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks.
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