If the Knicks are going to make a deep run in next year’s NBA playoffs, they will have to find another center to anchor their defense.
New York lost a key piece of their current team when Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million deal, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Hartenstein pulled the trigger after meeting with Thunder brass in Eugene, Ore.
The Knicks wanted to keep him and could offer a four-year, $72 million deal, but the chance to earn more money on a Western Conference contender was too much for him to resist. His contract will have an average annual value of $29 million as opposed to $18 million -- and he would be the NBA’s highest-paid bench player if he does not start.
The Thunder were the No. 1 seed in the West this past season and are led by MVP finalist Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and big man Chet Holmgren.
Want to bet on the NBA?
See the best NJ Sports Betting sites
The 7-foot Hartenstein, 26, became a fan favorite while averaging 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in his second season with the Knicks. They reached the second round of the playoffs before injuries caused them to come up short against the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks still have center Mitchell Robinson under contract for two more seasons, but he has battled injuries and missed significant time this past season after undergoing left ankle surgery. He returned in late March but then suffered a stress injury in his left ankle in Game 1 against the Pacers.
The Knicks will now look to add a big man after retaining OG Anunoby and trading for Mikal Bridges in an effort to challenge the NBA champion Boston Celtics and the new-look 76ers in the East.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.