Kofi Inkoom
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder are seen by rival executives as a prime contender to lure Isaiah Hartenstein away from the New York Knicks.
Adding to this, Mike Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that Hartenstein, along with the Nets’ Nic Claxton and the Pelicans’ Jonas Valanciunas, are potential targets for the Thunder.
He noted, “Rival executives are monitoring the Thunder as a potential team in the free-agent center market this summer, with several names available, such as Nic Claxton – who can potentially command over $20 million on the market, as noted by HoopsHype – Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jonas Valanciunas, who’s not expected to return to New Orleans.”
Although Hartenstein may lack the dribbling and perimeter shooting abilities that the Thunder typically value, he excels as a dribble-handoff screener and a passer. His skill set allows him to effectively pair with other big men and significantly bolster the Thunder’s rebounding efforts.
During the regular season, the Thunder faced challenges on the boards, averaging just 42 rebounds per game, which ranked them fourth-worst in the NBA. Acquiring Hartenstein, a standout rebounder, would markedly enhance their rebounding performance.
Previously, Hartenstein nearly joined the Orlando Magic before signing with the Knicks, but that move no longer appears to be a fit despite the Magic’s cap space. Fischer also mentioned that Hartenstein could command a contract worth upwards of $100 million in free agency.