After agreeing to a new three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein is departing the New York Knicks. That implies that he will no longer be playing with Josh Hart, who jokingly bid him farewell. On Twitter, Hart reposted the report of Hartenstein leaving the team and said, “You are dead to me Zay. I never liked you anyway. But congrats on the bag!”
This remark from Hart is just a clue that he truly loves Hartenstein and will miss him because he has always utilized humor with the people he cares about. If the Knicks struggle in the frontcourt due to Hartenstein’s departure, he might mourn Hartenstein even more.
Hartenstein has played with the Knicks for the past two seasons, averaging 7.4 rebounds and 6.3 points. He was a backup center the previous season, but because of numerous team injuries in 2023–24, he saw a significant increase in playing time.
Other teams became interested in him due to his increased ability to shine. Thus, it came as no surprise when those organizations expressed interest in signing him as a free agent.
Hartenstein can now play as a full-time starter for the Thunder, helping Oklahoma City reclaim its title as the best team in the Western Conference. Though they will be without a fan favorite, the Knicks will continue to play and attempt to replace the vacuum he leaves.
