The New York Knicks looked formidable after a mid-season trade that added OG Anunoby to an already talented roster. Injuries kept them from fulfilling their full potential, but they look like 2025 NBA Championship contenders, if they bring everyone back. But that's a big “if”. There are two key guys who can sign elsewhere without the Knicks matching offers, and they are both uniquely important to the Knicks' success — Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. We'll explore Anunoby's situation separately, but let's dive into what the Knicks can do to replace Hartenstein if he signs elsewhere.
Hartenstein entered the 2023-24 season looking like an ideal backup center. But after Mitchell Robinson went down with an ankle injury in mid-December, Hartenstein began looking increasingly like a legitimate starter. He ended the year with the third-best box plus/minus on the team (+3.5 per game). His isn't quite the offensive rebounder that Robinson is, but he, too, dominated the offensive (and defensive) glass. And unlike Robinson, Hartenstein's offensive game contributes to New York's success. He developed a crafty floater, can connect on mid-range jump shots, and demonstrated an elite passing ability.
Ideally, New York brings Hartenstein back to form an elite one-two punch at the center position (with Robinson). Hartenstin told HoopsHype's Mike Scotto that he'd prefer to return to New York, if the money is equal. But the money might not be equal.
Due to a hiccup in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the Knicks can offer a maximum of 175% of Hartenstein's 2023-24 salary. That translates to four-years/$72.5 million (which includes annual raises). But other teams can offer more. So, if the Oklahoma City Thunder or Orlando Magic offer a four-year/$80 million deal (or more), does Hartenstein leave money on the table? We'll see. But if he follows the money, the Knicks will have to pivot. What can they do to replace the seven-year pro?
Sign Andre Drummond
Drummond is an interesting piece. He is still only 30 years old, despite playing in the NBA for what feels like forever. And he remains an elite rebounder. He grabbed nine rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game in 2023-24. That translates to 18.9 rebounds per-36 minutes. That is impactful, to say the least. Imagine adding that type of rebounder to a team that grabbed the fifth-most rebounds last season.
Drummond brings more to the table than just rebounding. He added 8.4 points per game (again, in just 17 minutes per contest) last season. But his overall game is limited compared to Hartenstein. He isn't nearly as good a passer or shooter. But he'd help fill some of the void. Still, there would be more work to be done by the Knicks front office if they're trying to replace everything Hartenstein does.
Draft the best center available
If Hartenstein does, in fact, sign elsewhere, New York should strongly consider using one of their first-round picks on a center. Now, there have been reports that the Knicks will not use both of their first-round picks. But if they suspect that Hartenstein will sign with a different team, they might want to reconsider their draft strategy.
And in reconsidering their strategy, they should consider drafting a center with a modern game. Someone who can stretch the floor and/or handle the ball would be ideal. There aren't too many guys like that in this draft, but most mock drafts have more guards and wings being taken in the lottery. So, it's possible that one of the few centers that meets New York's requirements slips. Someone like Kel'el Ware (Indiana) fits that mold, as does Kyle Flipowski (Duke).
Re-sign Precious Achiuwa
Precious Achiuwa was another player the Knicks added in December 2023. His contributions weren't as predictable as Hartenstein, but he was mostly effective. He isn't exactly a center, but his versatility allows him to fill in at the five spot, when needed.
Achiuwa averaged 8.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in 2023-24 when playing between 20-29 minutes per game. And he was even better (9.9 points and 10.3 rebounds) when he received between 30-39 minutes per game. His athleticism and strength allowed him to do at least as well as Hartenstein while guarding Joel Embiid against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. Granted, no one (other than Robinson) really slowed Embiid down; but if he can cover Embiid, there aren't many guys he can't guard.
Achiuwa is also a free agent this offseason, but the Knicks own his full Bird rights. In other words, unlike Hartenstein, New York is able to match any offer he receives. And if Hartenstein leaves, Achiuwa can take on a bigger role more consistently. And that won't impact the team's chemistry in the least bit.
Ultimately, all three suggested actions should be undergone if Hartenstein signs with a different team. He was a major contributor last season; and given their salary cap situation, New York is unlikely to fill the void he'd leave with one player.
Before conceding, the Knicks must do everything in their power to bring Hartenstein back. If that means signing a one-year deal and then offering him more money next season, so be it. If he leaves, they must do their best to replace his production. They are too close to title contention to lose ground now.
Unfortunately, this situation is out of their hands. It's squarely Hartenstein's decision. Hopefully, he appreciates the situation (and additional earning potential) in New York. But if he doesn't, life must go on for the Knicks. And they'll have to figure out what that looks like very quickly.
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