Isaiah Hartenstein was beloved by New York Knicks fans, but made the tough decision to join the OKC Thunder.
The Oklahoma City Thunder walked away disappointed from the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Despite being the first seed in the West, the Thunder got knocked out by the Dallas Mavericks.
The Thunder needed to make some changes. So Thunder GM Sam Presti went and signed two elite role players – former NBA champion Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Signing for $87 million, Hartenstein had a huge impact on the Thunder. The big man played a crucial role in the Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship win.
Even NBA superstars like LeBron James lauded Hartenstein’s versatility. For as well as he did with the Thunder, the New York Knicks, his former team, did their best to try and keep him.
Hartenstein was incredibly popular among Knicks fans and was a big part of their plans. So why did he end up leaving the team?
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesIsaiah Hartenstein says money and championship ambition played a role in New York Knicks’ exit
Isaiah Hartenstein spoke on Paul George’s podcast recently. When talking about his decision to leave the New York Knicks, Hartenstein explained why he made the move.
In the end, as many assumed, Hartenstein prioritized the money and the situation. On both fronts, the Thunder presented a better playing situation. But Hartenstein has nothing but love for the Knicks.
“New York gave me, offered me the most they could give me. I mean, think with the CBA, it was kind of hard to get to. I think it was like 64 million over four years. So they gave me the most they could, and they wanted me back.
“But I think OKC was just like a unique situation. I mean, they were first in the West, and also there was more money, so I ain’t gonna lie about that.
“It was like a perfect situation. I like the way they play. They’re very team-oriented. I enjoyed playing with Jalen Brunson a lot.
“I think we had a good kind of two main games, and just pick and roll. When he was getting denied, he was really good at cutting. I love New York, but I think just for my family, and everyone, I had to kind of do it. But it worked out perfectly.”
Isaiah Hartenstein thrived with the OKC Thunder
As hard as it may have been for Hartenstein to leave a comfortable situation in New York, this proved to be the right decision.
In 57 games last season, Hartenstein averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. His pairing with Chet Holmgren proved to be a nightmare for players driving to the rim.
Now, given how much money the Thunder have spent on re-signing their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, don’t expect Hartenstein to be with the Thunder forever.
With the new CBA making expensive teams unsustainable, Hartenstein will most likely leave the Thunder at the end of his contract.
That is, if he doesn’t get traded by the Thunder before that, if their roster gets caught by a serious injury issue. But for now, Thunder fans will love having Hartenstein on their team.