Jan 3, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) reacts during the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
(New York, NY) – The Knicks did their best to retain last year’s squad, but couldn’t afford to keep one key piece.
Isaiah Hartenstein has officially walked in free agency. The center who started 49 games for New York in Mitchell Robinson’s absence, proved to be an every-day starter for one of the NBA’s best teams.
Hartenstein is leaving a team that won 50 games as the Eastern Conference #2 seed to join a young powerhouse in Oklahoma City. The Thunder won 57 games as the Western Conference’s top seed, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, before being bounced by the eventual conference champion Mavericks in the second round. They are hoping Hartenstein’s size and defensive grit will help turn the corner.
After trading for Mikal Bridges and signing OG Anunoby to a record contract, the Knicks were only able to offer 4 years, $72 million, not nearly competitive enough for OKC’s 3 year, $87 million deal that Hartenstein agreed to.
New York has made it clear that they are in win-now mode, and it’s time that they address the issue they have at center.
Boston has retained their championship core and Philadelphia has just added Paul George to make a big three of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
Mitchell Robinson has shown the capabilities of matching up against the league’s best in Embiid and Porzingis, but his worst ability has been his availability. The loss of a fan-favorite in Hartenstein stings, but Leon Rose’s aggressive nature should continue in making this team a true contender.
