Isaiah Hartenstein, a vital member of New York’s current team, inked a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The departure of Isaiah Hartenstein would be a big setback for the New York Knicks. The Knicks now have only Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims as center choices.
The Knicks are reported to be interested in Orlando Magic free agent Goga Bitazde. Xavier Tillman could potentially also be a prospect for the Knicks. According to certain sources, the Knicks are still considering re-signing Achiuwa. If Achiuwa returned, he would play behind Robinson.
Hartenstein played with the New York Knicks for the previous two seasons. Last season, Hartenstein emerged to be an important player for the Knicks, notably when stepping in for the injured Mitchell Robinson. In 75 games, the 26-year-old Superstar averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
New York has unquestionably had a good offseason, having assembled the strongest defensive wing combo in basketball. To cover the massive vacuum left by Hartenstein, the Knicks must now look in-house or on the open market for less expensive players.
The Knicks wanted to keep him and could offer him a four-year, $72 million contract, but the opportunity to earn more money with a Western Conference contender was too much for him not to take up. As the Knicks consider choices, they will have a limited market for Hartenstein replacements.
