There are few – if any – NBA free-agents-to-be whose stocks improved more in the postseason than Isaiah Hartenstein, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who suggests the Knicks big man has a case to be considered the best center on the free agent market this summer.
Nets big man Nic Claxton, widely viewed the top option at the position, is considered likely receive at least $20-25MM annually, according to previous reports. Fischer says there’s a belief around the NBA that Hartenstein could end up in that neighborhood too, with league executives and cap strategists speculating he might sign for $80-100MM. The Knicks would be limited to offering up to $72.5MM over four years using their Early Bird rights.
According to Fischer, the Thunder are the possible Hartenstein destination mentioned most frequently by team executives, despite the fact that he seems “incongruent” with the playing style they established en route to the No. 1 seed in the West this past season. Fischer suggests Hartenstein’s ability as a passer and screener to bring a new dimension to Oklahoma City, while his rebounding would improve one of the league’s worst teams in that area.
Hartenstein almost signed with the Magic before joining the Knicks, Fischer notes, but it’s unclear whether Orlando would still be a fit, given Moritz Wagner‘s emergence in the frontcourt during the last couple seasons and Jonathan Isaac‘s return to health. The team also rebuffed trade offers for Wendell Carter at February’s deadline, Fischer adds, which indicates he’s part of the plans going forward.
The Pistons are another team with cap room that has been frequently linked to Hartenstein over the years, per Fischer, but it’s unclear whether new head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon will share that interest or whether Detroit will be in the market for a center this summer.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- Addressing Claxton’s free agency, Fischer says that NBA personnel have “long prepared” for the 25-year-old to remain with the Nets. If the two sides are able to reach an agreement between the end of the Finals and the start of free agency, it would improve Hartenstein’s leverage on the open market.
- Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas is another starting-caliber center on track for unrestricted free agency this offseason, but league executives don’t anticipate a huge payday for the Lithuanian, forecasting a deal in the range of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (approximately $12.9MM), Fischer writes.
- The Cavaliers don’t seem motivated to listen to trade inquiries on any of their core four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, sources tell Fischer. It’s unclear if that will change later in the offseason — if Mitchell signs an extension to remain in Cleveland, it’s possible that Garland would seek a change of scenery. For what it’s worth, head of basketball operations Koby Altman has stated publicly that he doesn’t anticipate making “sweeping changes” to the roster in the coming months.
Don’t think it’s a bad idea for the Cavs to stand pat for now. See what the new coach can do. Yes, the fit concerns are legitimate but they could always wait until the deadline to shake things up. I find folks generally a little too eager to blow things up at the drop of a hat.
To be fair, the Cavs really didn’t have much time completely healthy during the year. At least one member of the primary four was out at any given time for most of the year, so they never gelled at all.
Many teams name the same injury issue, however I think the Cavs have 4 really good players playing 2 positions/roles. Garland needs the ball to reach his potential as does Mitchell and both Allen and Mobley are most effective in the paint on both ends of the court. I’d move on from Mitchell and possibly Allen and build the three open starting spots along with the bench. Garland is a better defender than Mitchell and has a sweet shot, along with being cheaper. Mitchell will pull in a bigger haul as well in trade.
That also coincided with them playing their best
Absolutely. No sense rushing things.
I agree. I think you can definitely question how the four of them fit together, but it’s possible that a new coach could unlock something else and I’d hate to sell Garland or Allen for less than peak value just for the sake of making a change.
I wouldn’t be opposed to them moving one of them, but I don’t necessarily think it’s mandatory.
Mo Wagner has averaged 10pts 4reb and 1 assist four straight years. “Emergence” is a bit strong
Maybe, but I think the point was that after a few solid years, he’s become an option they can count on for 15-20 good minutes, which wasn’t a sure thing back when they pursued Hartenstein last time.
Let me try to understand this – the Knicks have I-Hart’s Bird Rights, but that limits the amount of money they can offer him? Or does that just mean that 4 years, 72 mil is the most they can offer him without regard for the salary cap? I’m a Knicks fan and think that bringing him back is essential, but it’s going to be interesting to see if he wants to come back here or chase a bigger paycheck.
That’s the limit for Knicks this offseason (72)
They could do a work around w a 1+1 then have full bird next off-season but that seems highly unlikely when we are talking about 72 (or more) mill
IH’s time is today, is 72 enough?….I think so in the end, he’ll probably get himself a player opt yr 4 as well as a small bonus
I don’t believe they can do a 1+1 p/o with the EBRs. CBA wanted (at least at one point) to prevent what you’re referencing.
NYK have only Early Bird Rights on IH. That’s a salary cap exception which permits them to sign him for the 72 mm/4 years, even though they don’t have the cap space to do it.
They have early bird rights not gull bird rights. Thus the restriction.
My prediction
Hartenstein and Monk will sign 4 years $100 million contract.
Knicks and Kings get worse.
IHART should come back to the Knicks unless he thinks OKC will get him a ring. Do players chase rings or money these days hard to do both?
OKC isn’t getting anyone a ring anytime soon. Last year was a fluke. Mavs, Wolves and Nuggets to run the West for years to come.
Hartenstein will get more than Monk and deservedly so. No disrespect to the latter, but microwave scorer best suited as 6th man without a ton of defense isn’t worth that much, even with the new TV deal looming. I wouldn’t go more than 3/60-65. Probably not enough to get things done and I’d be fine living with that.
Can’t imagine any team would give Hartenstein a 4 year deal for $1⁰0 million.
Too much. Four years,$80M max.
Got nothing against players getting paid. It’s not the same thing as chasing money.
Hartenstein is on record on wanting to stay. He understands the value. Of having success as a Knick.
Imo a healthy available Mitch. Is better than Hartenstein and Claxton. Those two are not worth more than Mitch. The market and team need. Will ultimately decide their pay scale. And both could do 20 mill. Either of these two. Makes the Thunder a legitimate contender. Thunder are only team that can justify paying them that.
Hartenstein will resign with Knicks. Mitch is a better trade chip. And Knicks can draft a center, a solid one this yr (24, 25). I think Knicks will move Mitch this yr.
They need to find someone first. Not that they can’t, but they won’t get more than a second rounder for him at best.
OKC will be offering a short team deal, I say similar to Bruce Brown a 1+1 $20million. They can’t give some 3-4 yr deal because the rookie deals will be needing payment soon.
Hartenstein shorter deal but Claxton on the market may get the longer deal.
IMO it’s time to move on from Mitch. He’s always injured. Let’s see what Sims can do in a larger role.