Isaiah Hartenstein declines Knicks' offer, takes more money to join Thunder: reports

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Isaiah Hartenstein, a New York Knicks fan favorite for his hustle and prowess in the paint, won’t be playing his home games in Madison Square Garden next season. 

Hartenstein has reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed a season ago, which needs some more size and physicality. 

In doing so, Hartenstein reportedly turned down the Knicks’ offer, which couldn’t surpass four years and $72.5 million, per The New York Post. That offer came to Hartenstein "as soon as the NBA Finals finished. 

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Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks boxes out during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2023 Round 1 Game 1 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2023 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. (David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Thunder’s offer is reportedly front-loaded, meaning Hartenstein is set to make over $30 million next season to play in Oklahoma City. That is about $5 million more than the Knicks’ All-Star point guard, Jalen Brunson, is set to make next season, though he could be getting an extension himself. 

However, Hartenstein would reportedly have been paid about $16 million in the first year of his Knicks contract if he were to sign it.

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It will be interesting to see Hartenstein’s role with the Thunder, given the presence of Chet Holmgren, who plays center for the playoff contender. But GM Sam Presti, who previously traded with the Chicago Bulls for veteran Alex Caruso, knows the team needs