Hartenstein, who inked a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder, stated that he valued his time with the Knicks and was willing to accept a Jalen Brunson-style salary cut to stay in New York. Isaiah, who joined the Knicks in the Summer of 2022, instantly became a fan favorite because of his great work ethic and dedication to the squad.
Isaiah Stated “I loved my time with the Knicks and would have taken a pay cut to stay if another team hadn’t presented such a compelling offer,” Hartenstein said. “But the Thunder’s deal, with the financial security and chance to compete for a championship, was too good to pass up.”
The Knicks’ standout point guard, Jalen Brunson, is recognized for having taken a less expensive deal to help the franchise be financially flexible and assemble a strong lineup.
Even if Hartenstein’s future with the Knicks is still up in the air, his words have made an impact on the team’s supporters. A large number of Knicks fans have campaigned for Hartenstein’s return on social media, expressing gratitude for his commitment.
He added “Jalen is a great leader and I have a lot of respect for him, but our situations are different,” Hartenstein said. “I’m at a different stage of my career and had to make the best decision for my family and my future.”
