Hartenstein cashes in with three-year, $75M Thunder deal
OKC locks down league’s best backup center to shield title hopes from Chet’s fragility.
Isaiah Hartenstein is staying put in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract with the big man, per Shams Charania. The deal cements Hartenstein as the league’s premier backup center and Oklahoma City’s defensive anchor.
5 blocks last season while ranking in the 99th percentile for defensive impact, per Cleaning the Glass. His rim protection and offensive rebounding offset Chet Holmgren’s minutes when the All-NBA big man missed 41 games over two seasons. Hartenstein’s ability to switch onto guards and anchor the paint makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, a trait that became even more valuable in the playoffs where his defensive versatility shone.
