Isaiah Hartenstein has always been proud of his roots. Now, he is about to make history by taking the NBA’s most prized possession across the Atlantic. Fresh off helping the Oklahoma City Thunder capture their first championship since the franchise’s Seattle days, Hartenstein announced he will bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy on its first-ever trip to Germany.

During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, guest host Chris Distefano asked him what he planned to do with the trophy once the celebrations wound down. Hartenstein did not hesitate. He smiled and shared that he wanted to share this moment with the country that shaped so much of his life. He plans to bring the trophy to Germany to show young players that anything is possible.

The studio erupted in applause as Hartenstein explained that he dreamed of this homecoming for years. The moment felt special, not only because of his connection but also because of what it means for German basketball. His story began in Eugene, Oregon, but truly took shape when he moved to Germany as a child. There he honed his skills and grew into the player who now stands at the center of the NBA’s biggest stage.

“I grew up there,” Hartenstein said. “So just to have the people out there see even what's possible.”

This year’s Finals showcased Hartenstein’s grit and value to Oklahoma City. He averaged 5.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game across the championship series. While the numbers might not leap off the page, his impact did. Towering at 7 feet, he played with relentless energy and anchored the Thunder defense during critical stretches.

In Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, he tallied seven points and nine rebounds in just 18 minutes. Every possession mattered, and Hartenstein delivered exactly what the team needed.

His performance capped a breakout season that saw him post career-high numbers in rebounds and assists. He embraced his role as a glue guy who could swing momentum with a key offensive board or a timely block. That mentality earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Hartenstein holds dual citizenship and has often spoken about feeling equally connected to both countries. His father, Florian, played professionally in Germany and later became a coach. Those family ties, combined with his own childhood experiences, have fueled his desire to inspire the next generation of German players.

The Thunder’s victory is already an unforgettable milestone for Oklahoma City, but Hartenstein’s plan gives it even more meaning. The idea that a German-American player will parade the trophy through towns and gyms where he once practiced feels like something out of a movie script. It is proof that the game truly belongs to the world now.

With this trip, Hartenstein hopes to plant the seeds of big dreams in young athletes. The Larry O’Brien Trophy will not be locked in a display case or hidden in storage. Instead, it will travel to places where kids can see it up close and feel the spark that comes from believing success is within reach.

As the Thunder celebrate and the city basks in the glow of a championship, Isaiah Hartenstein is already thinking beyond the parade. His journey back to Germany with the trophy is set to become a historic moment for the sport he loves and the country that helped shape his path.