"He's overrated" - NBA fans react to report of OKC Thunder targeting Isaiah Hartenstein in 2024 free agency

The OKC Thunder are reportedly the biggest threat to sign New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency this offseason. However, NBA fans are divided on whether the move would put the Thunder's young core over the top.

After signing a two-year, $16 million contract with New York in 2022, Hartenstein exceeded expectations. He established himself as a full-time starter this season, earning the gig while filling in for oft-injured big man Mitchell Robinson.

Over 75 regular-season games, including 49 starts, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game on 64.4% shooting. He ranked fifth in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game (3.3), playing a key role in New York leading the league in that category (12.7 orpg).

The 26-year-old's production also translated to the postseason, where he averaged 8.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.5 apg and 0.9 bpg on 59.2% shooting over 13 contests. Meanwhile, the Knicks came within one victory of their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.

According to a Monday report from the New York Post's Stefan Bondy, Hartenstein's breakout season could earn him a substantial raise from OKC.

"The Thunder are viewed by NBA sources as the top threat to pry Hartenstein away from the Knicks in free agency," Bondy wrote.

Bondy added that the Thunder, who have "roughly $35 million in cap space," could overpay Hartenstein on a short-term deal to secure his services.

"One league source speculated the Thunder would offer a short-term deal (such as two years) with a high salary, providing both sides with long-term flexibility," Bondy wrote.

Despite finishing No. 1 in the Western Conference (57-25), The Thunder ranked 27th in the league in rebounding (42.0 rpg) and 29th in offensive rebounding (8.8 orpg).

They were overdependent on rookie center Chet Holmgren, who lacked the physicality required to man the paint against stronger players. Thus, they struggled matching up against bigger teams like the Dallas Mavericks, who beat them 4-2 in Round 2 of the postseason.

So, Hartenstein could slot in as OKC's backup center and also play alongside Holmgren when necessary. According to some fans, that potential influx of size and toughness could be the move that helps the Thunder take the next step.

"The team desperately needed a real center this year. Hartenstein would cook for 'em," @PrizePicks said.

"Hartenstein could make OKC one of the most complete teams in the league," @itssarkim said.

"Would be a great fit. They needed that strength, grit and hustle desperately. And Hartenstein can pass and space the floor as well. He’s getting paid nicely this summer, that’s for sure," @AryehRE said.

However, others expressed skepticism about whether the signing would be a needle-mover for OKC.

"He's overrated," @BennFanatic said.

"This won’t make the Thunder a championship contender. They need to make a splash and trade for another superstar," @djdorsey_ said.

"They don’t need him," @BronWorld said.

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Matching Thunder's potential offer to Isaiah Hartenstein could hurt the Knicks' pursuit of another star

In his report on OKC's reported interest in Isaiah Hartenstein, Stefan Bondy noted that retaining the big man could hurt New York's pursuit of another star.

The Knicks have long been rumored to be eyeing high-level players to pair alongside star point guard Jalen Brunson. However, like Hartenstein, starting forward OG Anunoby is also expected to command a hefty raise in free agency.

Per Bondy, if New York retains both, it will be on the verge of becoming a luxury tax team, hurting its future financial flexibility.

It remains to be seen how much money the Thunder offer Hartenstein this summer if their interest is legitimate. However, if they decide to use most of their cap space on him, the Knicks may be forced to make some difficult decisions.

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