Knicks Eyeing Isaiah Hartenstein Reunion, But the Road Back Is Anything But Simple
There’s no doubt Isaiah Hartenstein left a mark during his time in New York. His defensive tenacity, high-IQ passing, and relentless motor made him a fan favorite-and a perfect fit in Tom Thibodeau’s system.
So when his name popped up in recent trade chatter, Knicks fans perked up. Could a reunion be in the works?
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Hartenstein is starting to surface in league-wide trade discussions, and one of the teams reportedly tied to him is the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s where things get tricky-because while the Knicks would likely welcome Hartenstein back with open arms, actually pulling off a deal is a whole different story.
Why Hartenstein Makes Sense for the Knicks
Let’s start with the obvious: Hartenstein checks a lot of boxes for New York. He’s younger, more affordable, and more defensively sound than Karl-Anthony Towns, whose name continues to hover in trade rumors. While Hartenstein doesn’t stretch the floor like Towns, he brings a level of interior presence and playmaking that fits snugly with the Knicks’ current identity.
He’s also on a team option next season worth $29 million-a figure that’s manageable in the short term, especially for a player who impacts the game on both ends.
But here’s where it gets complicated.
The Thunder’s Cap Crunch-and Why That Matters
Oklahoma City’s books are about to get a lot more expensive. With extensions looming for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder could find themselves brushing up against the second apron of the luxury tax. That makes Hartenstein’s $28.5 million option a potential cap casualty.
From a financial standpoint, it makes sense for OKC to explore their options now rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. If they can flip Hartenstein for a younger, cheaper big man, that’s a win for them.
But New York doesn’t have that kind of asset to offer.
Why a Trade Is Tough to Construct
The Knicks can’t just pick up the phone and offer Towns. His massive salary-$118.1 million over the next two seasons-isn’t exactly what the Thunder are looking for as they try to keep their core intact without breaking the bank.
Mitchell Robinson? He’s an option, but not a clean one.
He’s battled injuries, and with free agency on the horizon, he doesn’t offer the long-term cost control OKC would likely want in return. Plus, including Robinson would require the Knicks to attach one of their key wings just to match salary.
That’s a steep price-especially when you consider the Knicks’ long-term ambitions.
They’ve been keeping one eye on the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation, and gutting the roster now makes it harder to be players in that sweepstakes down the line.
Is Hartenstein Even Available?
All of this maneuvering may be moot if the Thunder aren’t actually shopping Hartenstein. While they’ve reportedly shown interest in another Knicks target-Yves Missi-that doesn’t necessarily signal a desire to move on from Hartenstein. It could just be insurance.
Hartenstein has missed time this season with calf issues, and Holmgren has his own injury history. Adding another big man may simply be a depth move, not a sign of a fire sale.
And let’s not forget: Oklahoma City isn’t in the luxury tax yet. There’s no financial urgency forcing their hand. Unless they get an offer that clearly upgrades their roster or gives them long-term flexibility, there’s little incentive to move a player who’s been a strong fit.
The Risk of Pushing Too Hard
Even if the Knicks tried to get creative-roping in a third team, moving pieces around-it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Thunder are swayed. And making an aggressive push for Hartenstein could have unintended consequences.
Towns is already navigating trade rumors tied to the Knicks' interest in Giannis. Adding Hartenstein’s name into the mix only stirs the pot further. That kind of noise can rattle a locker room, especially when the team is trying to build chemistry and momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Bottom Line
There’s no question Hartenstein would be a welcome addition back in New York. He fits the system, fills a need, and brings a skill set that complements the Knicks’ current core. But between Oklahoma City’s financial strategy, the Knicks’ limited trade assets, and the risk of disrupting internal dynamics, the path to a reunion is filled with roadblocks.
For now, it seems like one of those moves that makes sense on paper-but might not make it past the trade machine.