Thunder Make Bold Deadline Moves, But Hartenstein Question Looms Large
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t sit on their hands at this year’s trade deadline. In fact, they made one of the more intriguing moves of the week, landing rookie guard Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a first-round pick and three second-rounders. That’s a notable price tag, but it speaks to how much OKC believes in McCain’s potential to be a long-term piece in their rotation.
To make room for McCain, the Thunder also moved Ousmane Dieng to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran big man Mason Plumlee-who was promptly waived to free up the roster spot. Dieng didn’t stay in Charlotte long, eventually landing with the Milwaukee Bucks after a series of follow-up moves.
The headline here is clear: Oklahoma City went after upside, and they got it. McCain is a crafty, confident young guard who could grow into a key contributor alongside the Thunder’s already impressive stable of young talent. Once he gets his feet under him, expect him to carve out a role.
But while the McCain addition adds another layer to OKC’s long-term outlook, it doesn’t solve one of the more pressing short-term issues: what to do about Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein’s Future: The $28 Million Question
Here’s the situation. Hartenstein has a $28 million club option looming this offseason, and the Thunder-despite a deep, youthful roster-don’t have a clear plan in place if they decide to move on.
That’s not to say the sky is falling. The Thunder are still in a strong position organizationally.
But Hartenstein’s value to this team goes beyond the box score. His rebounding, rim protection, and ability to anchor the defense have been critical to the Thunder’s success.
He’s not just a plug-and-play big. He’s a tone-setter.
The original hope was that Thomas Sorber, OKC’s 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft, could eventually step into that role. But Sorber tore his ACL during an offseason workout and hasn’t logged a single NBA minute. That setback has left a significant hole in the Thunder’s frontcourt depth chart.
There was some buzz that OKC might look to bring in a stopgap center at the deadline-someone on an expiring deal who could provide insurance in case Hartenstein went down or walked this summer. But with only one roster spot available after moving Dieng, the Thunder prioritized McCain over a big man.
That decision could come back into focus in a few months.
Why Hartenstein Matters So Much
Hartenstein’s skill set isn’t easy to replicate. He’s a rugged, high-IQ big who can defend multiple actions, clean the glass, and keep the offense moving with smart passing out of the post and short roll. He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of player who makes stars better.
In a rotation built around the dynamic perimeter play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, having a dependable, physical center like Hartenstein brings balance. He allows Holmgren to float between roles, protects the paint when smaller lineups are on the floor, and gives OKC a physical presence against bigger frontcourts.
Without him, the Thunder are left with questions. Can Holmgren take on more physical matchups full-time?
Is there a veteran big out there who fits the system and cap sheet? Can Sorber eventually be that guy-and if so, when?
What Comes Next?
The McCain trade signals that the Thunder are still leaning into their youth movement while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. But the Hartenstein dilemma is real.
If he stays, the price is steep. If he goes, the replacement isn’t on the roster-at least not yet.
This offseason will be a defining one for Oklahoma City’s frontcourt. The McCain move may pay off in the long run, but the Thunder will need to address the Hartenstein-sized hole in their rotation sooner rather than later.
The team has made a habit of smart, forward-thinking moves. The next one might need to be a bit more grounded-literally. Because as good as the Thunder’s perimeter talent is, they’ll need someone to do the dirty work inside if they want to take the next step.