Breaking: New York Knicks key player departs for Oklahoma City Thunder.
In 2024–25, the New York Knicks think they finally have the pieces to go deep into the postseason.
The roster was able to be transformed by the front office into one of the Eastern Conference’s most intriguing teams. Thanks to Jalen Brunson’s on-court heroics, the Knicks have a genuine chance to advance to the NBA Finals in the upcoming years.
The Knicks’ aspirations for the NBA championship are evident in their recent actions as a team. Original Anunoby was signed to a long-term contract that should allow him to play out his prime years in Manhattan.
They also added more offensive alternatives when they acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, who live nearby. It’s indisputable that the Knicks have superior offensive power that can compete with the Boston Celtics or any other team in the East, despite accusations from some quarters that the franchise tampered to create the Villanova core.
All of these adjustments, though, come at a cost. It makes sense that some of the important role players would be able to find greater opportunities elsewhere given the volume of individuals joining.
In free agency, Isaiah Hartenstein joins Oklahoma City from the New York Knicks.
Even though Isaiah Hartenstein isn’t the Knicks’ star player, he was crucial to their success last season. In a typical game, the big man put up 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
According to reports, the Knicks made every effort to keep the man in New York City. He did, however, choose to accept the Oklahoma City Thunder’s multi-year contract over New York’s since he felt they offered better prospects.
Steve DelVecchio of Larry Brown Sports reports:
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that Hartenstein inked a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder on Monday.
Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million deal on Monday.
Hartenstein’s early Bird rights were all that the Knicks had, despite their desire to keep him. According to reports, New York was only able to offer a maximum of $72.5 million spread over four years. They were just not financially able to match Oklahoma City’s offer.
The contracts of Anunoby and Bridges prevented the Knicks from making Hartenstein the deal he desired. The Knicks must search elsewhere for a reliable big man who can assume Hartenstein’s responsibilities, even if it’s regrettable that they will have to part ways with him.
