The Oklahoma City Thunder have quietly emerged as a team to watch as the NBA trade deadline approaches - and one name floating around the rumor mill is Isaiah Hartenstein. With a $29 million team option looming this summer and OKC staring down the second apron of the luxury tax, the front office could be eyeing a more cost-effective path forward, especially at the center position.
On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst dropped a nugget that raised eyebrows across the league: “Here’s an interesting name - Isaiah Hartenstein. He’s got a team option next year for $29 million. I’ve actually heard the Oklahoma City Thunder’s name in some trade chatter.”
And that chatter might be pointing toward a bold, four-team blockbuster that would shake up multiple contenders while helping the Thunder manage both their cap sheet and their playoff push.
The Proposed Four-Team Deal:
- Thunder receive: Ivica Zubac, Brook Lopez
- Celtics receive: Isaiah Hartenstein
- Clippers receive: Nicolas Claxton, Anfernee Simons
- Nets receive: John Collins, Chris Boucher, 2026 first-round pick (via BOS), 2026 first-round pick (top-4 protected via PHI, from OKC), 2031 first-round pick (via LAC)
Let’s break this down from OKC’s perspective first - and why it actually makes a lot of sense.
Why This Works for the Thunder
The Thunder are playing with house money this season. They’ve taken a major leap, led by MVP-caliber play from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a breakout campaign from Chet Holmgren. But with real playoff aspirations and a roster full of young, versatile talent, they’re walking a tightrope between contending now and preserving long-term flexibility.
Adding Ivica Zubac gives them a reliable, physical interior presence who’s under contract at a more manageable number than Hartenstein. Zubac isn’t a flashy name, but he’s a steady contributor - a strong rebounder, solid rim protector, and effective screener who doesn’t need touches to make an impact. That’s a valuable fit next to SGA and Holmgren.
Brook Lopez, meanwhile, is included largely for financial maneuvering. His team option for next season gives the Thunder the flexibility to move off his salary if needed.
If they decline the option, they shave roughly $9 million off next year’s books compared to keeping Hartenstein. That’s a big deal for a team trying to avoid the second apron and keep its powder dry for bigger moves down the line.
In short: OKC keeps its center rotation intact, adds playoff-tested experience, and improves its financial outlook. That’s a win.
The Celtics Go Big - Literally
Boston’s side of the deal is straightforward: they flip Anfernee Simons for Isaiah Hartenstein. For a team already loaded with perimeter scoring, the trade-off makes sense.
Hartenstein brings toughness, rebounding, and elite passing for a big man - all traits that could elevate the Celtics’ second unit and give them a different look behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. If Boston believes Hartenstein can help them win a title this year, they can pick up his option or work out a longer-term deal this summer. Either way, they’re adding a player who fits the win-now timeline.
Clippers Get Younger, Stay Competitive
The Clippers may hesitate to part with Ivica Zubac, who’s been a consistent presence in their frontcourt. But Nicolas Claxton offers a younger, more athletic alternative with upside.
Claxton’s ability to switch defensively and run the floor fits well in a lineup with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George - and especially with James Harden, who thrives with a vertical lob threat. Claxton gives them that, and then some.
Add in Anfernee Simons - a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and stretch the floor - and the Clippers suddenly look deeper and more versatile. If they’re thinking about the future while still competing now, this is the kind of deal that checks both boxes.
Nets Stack Picks, Add Depth
Brooklyn walks away with a haul of draft capital - three first-round picks - and a couple of serviceable rotation pieces in John Collins and Chris Boucher. That’s a strong return for moving Claxton and absorbing some salary.
The Nets are clearly in asset accumulation mode, and this deal accelerates that process. Collins and Boucher may or may not be long-term fits, but they’re capable of contributing now or being flipped later. The real prize is the trio of first-rounders, which gives Brooklyn flexibility to rebuild or make a splashy move of their own down the line.
Final Thoughts
This trade is one of those rare multi-team deals that actually makes sense for everyone involved. The Thunder address their cap concerns without sacrificing competitiveness.
The Celtics bolster their frontcourt for a title run. The Clippers get younger and more dynamic.
And the Nets stockpile assets for the future.
Of course, pulling off a four-team deal of this magnitude is easier said than done. But if the pieces fall into place, this could be one of the most impactful trades of the season - and a sign that the Thunder are ready to make moves with both eyes on the present and the future.