“If it wasn’t a team like OKC, I would’ve taken a pay cut because I loved it (in New York). But I now have an opportunity to make that money, make that pay raise, and still compete”. Isiah Hartenstein gave an honest answer when asked about a major factor behind his shift to Oklahoma City Thunder. Especially after having spent 2 years with the New York Knicks. For the 26-year-old Center, his offseason goal was to have himself “set for the rest of (his) life”, especially with him and his wife Kourtney having welcomed their first child.

Therefore, despite appreciating that Jalen Brunson and co did their best to make him stay, the chance to earn a higher pay compelled the player to switch allegiances. In light of this, let us know more about the contract that caused the NBA star to bid adieu to Madison Square Garden.

What is Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract with the OKC Thunder? A glance into his contract details

Isaiah Hartenstein was signed on by OKC under a three-year, $87 million contract. Out of this, $58.5 million of the amount is placed under a ‘guaranteed’ status over the first two years. For the ongoing season, Hartenstein will earn $30 million, while the amount will reduce to $28.5 million for each of the two remaining seasons with a team option in the third.

Hartenstein’s current pay provides him with the huge financial leap he was desiring. After all, with the New York Knicks, the Center was playing under a 2-year, $16 million contract. This made his average annual pay to simply be $8 million. Therefore, when given the choice between a 200% raise and staying with the Knicks, no one can blame Hartenstein for what he did. However, it wasn’t as if the Knicks didn’t do their part in attempting to come close to the offer that Oklahoma City Thunder made them.

How much was the New York Knicks’ offer for Hartenstein? Why did he reject it despite Jalen Brunson and Co.’s request?

During a New York Post interview, Isaiah Hartenstein revealed the length that the Knicks had gone to make him stay. According to the player, the MSG franchise proposed a contract that would pay him a whopping $72.5 million over 4-years. If Hartenstein had accepted the offer, he would have earned almost $11 million less annually than what he is set to earn now.

Despite this, his pay for the 2024-25 season would have made him the 6 highest-earning player on the Knicks roster. He would have been right between Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson. Furthermore, it was a pretty generous offer, considering the franchise’s efforts in not playing around too much with the luxury tax and apron limits.

Going into the 2024-25 season, several NBA franchises had trouble staying below the limits highlighted under the updated CBA Guidelines. Hoping to not cross the luxury and second apron limit was the reason the LA Clippers did not provide Paul George with the extension he sought. This compelled him to opt for free agency. However, Jalen Brunson provided some financial relief to the New York Knicks by accepting a 4-year, $156.5 million extension. He did this despite being eligible for a five-year, $269.1 million extension by the next off-season. Therefore, for the Knicks to even come up with the proposed extension for Isaiah Hartenstein was a big deal. As a result, when free agency came and Hartenstein was offered a better pay, he took it.

“They said whatever we can give you, we’re going to give you,” said Hartenstein in a statement. “I talked to Jalen a couple of times, Jalen and the guys. They really wanted me back and I really appreciate that. But it was definitely a hard decision. I couldn’t say no to an opportunity like this.”

Needless to say, Isaiah Hartenstein’s exit decision did not make him popular with his former teammates. During a segment of Fanatics Sportsbook’s Roommates Show back in March, Josh Hart outright stated, “He’s dead to us”. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson trolled the Center. He stated, “He (Hartenstein) texted me. He was like, ‘Yo bro, appreciate everything killa.’ I was like, ‘Who’s this?’”. Yikes!

In the end, either Isaiah Hartenstein could have been happy, or his teammates. Thanks to the deal his agent secured, Hartenstein may end up being happy for a long time.

Who is Isaiah Hartenstein’s agent who helped him get a $87 million deal with the OKC?

Hartenstein’s hope to be “set for the rest of (his) life” would not have been possible if it weren’t for his two agents: Aaron Mintz and Drew Morrison. Regarded as amongst the top basketball agents in the CAA, Aaron Mintz has worked with several high-profile players.

According to Real GM, Mintz has represented over 49 NBA players at one point in time. Everyone from Carmelo Anthony and D’Angelo Russell to Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart has been part of his clientele. He played a key role in the 4-year, $190 million deal (reduced to $176.265 million) that Paul George signed in 2020.

Meanwhile, Drew Morrison himself has worked with over 24 NBA players. Players like OG Anunoby and Jordan Poole, to both Josh Green and Jalen Green, have been part of his clientele. Together, the duo were able to formulate the terms of the contract with Thunder General Manager Sam Presti.

The investment made upon Isaiah Hartenstein is yet to yield a strong result. After all, he has only been able to play one game this season after returning from his injury. However, the 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists he scored against the Portland Trail Blazers show that Oklahoma City Thunder might start getting their dividends soon. Possibly, in the coming games.