Knicks most probably won’t be able to retain Isaiah Hartenstein after Mikal Bridges trade

Hartenstein is expected to be a sought-after free agent this summer.

Knicks most probably won’t be able to retain Isaiah Hartenstein after Mikal Bridges trade

Isaiah Hartenstein

Isaiah Hartenstein had a productive year with the New York Knicks, dropping consistent performances throughout the regular season. However, despite his contributions, the Knicks may lose him in free agency due to the lucrative offers Hartenstein is expected to receive from other teams.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to be a top target for several teams, and the Knicks may not be able to retain him. This comes after the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade on Tuesday.

NYK free agent C Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to be a top target for several opposing teams in free agency. With the offers that Hartenstein is expected to command on open market, it’s become increasingly unlikely that NYK will be able to retain Hartenstein, per SNY sources
Ian Begley wrote on X

Hartenstein has played six seasons in the league, with career averages of 6.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 59.6% from the field. He also had a strong playoff performance, averaging 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 postseason.

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The Knicks’ loss in the second round of the NBA playoffs may have contributed to their decision to pursue other options, leading to Hartenstein’s potential departure. Despite this, Hartenstein’s productive season has earned him a significant payday, and he is expected to be a coveted free agent.

Oklahoma City Thunder emerging as top contender to sign Isaiah Hartenstein

The Oklahoma City Thunder, according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy are reportedly the top threat to sign Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency this offseason. Following a successful season with 57 wins, the Thunder are well-positioned to make a strong bid for Hartenstein.

After finishing atop the Western Conference with 57 wins in the regular season, Oklahoma City can make a stronger bid for Hartenstein than the Knicks, who are capped out but can offer a starting salary of roughly $17 million using their Early Bird Rights.
Stefan Bondy wrote for NY Post

The player’s performance has reportedly sparked a potential bidding war, with the Thunder seeking to bolster their roster after a strong season that saw them reach the conference semifinals. The Knicks, however, are eager to retain Hartenstein to keep their young core together and remain competitive in the NBA Finals.

The competition for Hartenstein’s services may drive up his price tag, with reports suggesting offers as high as $100 million. Both the Thunder and Knicks will need to weigh the cost against the benefits of securing Hartenstein’s talent for the upcoming season.

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