Fred Katz and Danny Leroux of The Athletic answer several CBA-related offseason questions for the Knicks, including why they’ll be limited to offering Isaiah Hartenstein a four-year, $72.5MM contract in free agency.
As The Athletic’s authors explain, New York only holds Hartenstein’s Early Bird rights because he has only spent the past two years with the Knicks. One recent report said the 26-year-old could receive $80-$100MM on a new deal from a team with cap room.
Katz and Leroux also cover several other topics, including why the Knicks are in a much better position to potentially trade for a star during the 2024/25 league year instead of in ’25/26 (they could be over the second tax apron at that point).
Here’s more from the Atlantic:
- Cap expert Yossi Gozlan explores a few cap room teams that reportedly could be threats to sign Hartenstein away from the Knicks (YouTube link). Gozlan views Orlando as the most logical potential (external) suitor for the big man, but he thinks Hartenstein will ultimately re-sign with New York.
- The Raptors are hosting six prospects for a pre-draft workout on Monday, including Purdue star center Zach Edey, tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Edey, who won back-to-back college Player of the Year awards, is ranked No. 16 on ESPN’s top-100 list. The other five players are Keion Brooks Jr. (Washington), Joseph Girard III (Clemson), Emanuel Miller (TCU), Tyrese Samuel (Florida) and Jahmir Young (Maryland). Edey, Miller and Samuel are all natives of Canada. The Raptors control the No. 19 and No. 31 picks in the 2024 draft.
- Speaking to reporters on Monday, new Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez discussed his staff of assistants, which was made official last week (Twitter links via Brian Lewis of The New York Post). “Common thread is bringing energy on the court, a lot of player development-oriented coaches,” Fernandez said. “And also coaches with a lot of experience as players…I was not a pro…so it’s important that we have enough guys that have done it.”
Teams have to ask themselves if IH will be effective with their teams like he was with the Knicks. He fed off the energy, open boards due to Hart’s crazy pounding the lanes, and easy drops in the paint due to Brunson finding him after driving and attracting defenders. He thrived in that system. Not sure that would be the case everywhere else.
IH
No, there is no need to effective with their teams like he was with the Knicks,
For instance,
76ers can sign Hartenstein 4 years $90 million on June 30
and then at the trade deadline, trade him to Knicks for Randle and a future First.
Knicks are doomed
Similar to Monk
Kings are doomed.
18 mill for IHart. Is a good deal. He’s not better than a healthy Mitch. Unfortunately injuries weigh into argument. I don’t see both staying now. Real possibility someone (Thunder) will sign Hartenstein for more.
Knicks should be looking at a Center in the draft. Or in a big trade. There will be someone in FA.
All I know is. Hartenstein always talks well of NY. Seems he likes it here. I think it takes a big payday for him to leave. He knows Knicks are about to go on a run. For a few yrs lols.
I like Edey. I think Thibs can unlock the potential. Love to have him.
June 26 is the draft.
June 30 is first day of FA signings.
Knicks should know by draft if IHart is staying. They better.
What are the chances IH takes a pay cut because he loves playing on NY? I hope he stays. NYK finally have a good team.
Imo they trade Mitch. IHart signs for 3-4 yrs. You’re right he loves NY. Drafting Ware or Edey lessens the blow, Mitch leaving.
Drafting 24/25, the Knicks shouldn’t focus on a player who is going to be a factor in 2024-5. They should go for the player with the most upside, even if they are a project. iHart ‘s plans should not be a consideration in who they pick in the draft.
I will give Edey the effort to be a Thibs guy but he lacks the athleticism
A healthy Hartentein is a better all around player then a regularly unhealthy Mitchell Robinson. The best ability is availability. And when healthy Mitch is a offense liability. Mitch has not one offensive move whatsoever. I pray we ressign Hartentein and trade this fragile center by the name of Mitchell Robinson who has shown no growth in his offensive game unlike Hartentein is the all around better center .
Hartenstein is gone unless he decides to take less money, pay more taxes and have a much higher cost of living staying in NY
If he gets paid (even at his current rate), cost of living won’t matter.
Knicks have assets they’ll be alright. Picks to play with and a new home for Robinson and Bogdanovic for me.