After the Mikal Bridges trade Tuesday night, the New York Knicks showed they're prioritizing the wing in an effort to dethrone the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, it may not be possible for them to do that while retaining center Isaiah Hartenstein, who's coming off a career year and is looking for a hefty raise.
New York may not be able to afford the seven-footer, and many other teams are gearing up to offer him a large bag of cash, via SNY's John Flanigan.
“Knicks unrestricted free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to be a top target of numerous teams when he officially hits the open market in the coming days,” Flanigan said. “With the size of the offers the big man is expected to receive this offseason, sources have told SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley that it has become increasingly unlikely that New York will be able to retain him.”
With the Knicks also re-signing OG Anunoby on a five-year, $212.5 million deal, Hartenstein may be a necessary sacrifice in their quest to dethrone the Boston Celtics. Teams can only fit in so much veteran talent while staying under the salary cap.
Where could the 26-year-old go this summer?
The Knicks may get out-bid by the Magic or Thunder
New York still has a chance in the Hartenstein sweepstakes, as the club has his Early Bird Rights, via Begley.
“One note on Hartenstein: I would still guess that Hartenstein returns to New York if he’s deciding between a Knicks offer and an offer that’s a bit higher,” Begley predicted. “The Knicks have Hartenstein’s Early Bird Rights, so they can only offer him roughly $16 million in the first year of his new contract. It can be as long as four years and for as much as $72 million.”
However, teams with more cap room and cheaper state income taxes could give the German-American an offer he can't refuse.
“Teams with cap space – such as Orlando and Oklahoma City – can offer Hartenstein significantly more than New York,” Begley continued. “In theory, those teams can offer Hartenstein a number that would be difficult to say no to. Another factor to consider if Hartenstein gets a ‘Godfather’ offer? State income tax. The state income tax in Oklahoma is lower than in New York. Florida has no state income tax.”
Furthermore, both the Magic and Thunder are contending teams that could use another solid paint presence. Hartenstein would be particularly lethal in Orlando, as he could start next to 2024 All-Star Paolo Banchero and fellow rising star Franz Wagner. However, backing up Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City could get Hartenstein his first NBA championship as soon as next season.
All in all, it may take a minor miracle for the former G-League champion to stay with the Knicks. However, both parties benefited greatly from each other, and sometimes it's not possible to retain every good player on the team.
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