According to recent reports by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the former New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein has signed a three-year contract worth $87 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the Knicks offering Hartenstein a four-year, $72.5 million contract, he chose to explore free agency and ultimately chose the Thunder offer.
“ESPN Sources: Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein is leaving the Knicks to join the top seed in the West, bringing his size, skill, and physicality to the team.” Wojnarowski wrote.
Josh Hart, a Knicks forward, poked fun at Hartenstein’s contract and mentioned that his time with the team was ending. He also congratulated him on securing a big contract.
“You are dead to me Zay. I never liked you anyway. But congrats on the bag!” Josh Hart wrote this in his recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Hart’s Remark for the Hartenstein Contract Sparked a Debate Among Fans
The 26-year-old center averaged 7.8 points, 2.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds in 75 games during the 2023-24 season for the Knicks. Hartenstein became an essential player for the team due to his strong performance on both sides of the court and robust defense, which presented tough competition for opponents. He entered the starting lineup during the Knicks’ multiple injury troubles, starting 49 games and averaging 25.3 minutes per game throughout the season.
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Hart’s remark about the Hartenstein contract sparked a debate among fans, with some expressing their opinions in the post’s comment section.
One fan said, “Hartenstein goes from making $8M/yr with the Knicks to $29M/yr with OKC. Not a bad pay bump and well deserved (even I would’ve preferred seeing him back in NY).”
Meanwhile, another fan asked Hart about his strategy for the upcoming season, stating, “Josh, are you now coming off the bench? You better with 6MOTY.”
Another fan blamed Hart and said, “Josh this is your fault. You should have tampered harder.”
Hart is quite active on social media, sharing his thoughts on various NBA updates. Recently, Hart commented on T.J. McConnell‘s contract extension with the Indiana Pacers. In a lighthearted manner, Hart acknowledged McConnell’s deserving of the extension but also couldn’t resist adding a playful tease.
Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton and Josh Hart Renew Hostilities With Back-and-Forth Jabs on Social Media
