The Oklahoma City Thunder plan to retool their roster this summer as they vaulted over the second apron, but Chet Holmgren’s struggles against Victor Wembanyama made Isaiah Hartenstein essential. OKC plans on keeping Holmgren as his max extension kicks in. The Thunder have a $28.5 million team option on Hartenstein. Declining it would solve the team’s financial problems, but they need their starting center.
I-Hart played a key role in the 2025 championship and was the primary defender on Wemby. The seven-footer’s rebounding, defense, and playmaking are crucial. He helps the team win and is willing to take on whatever role is necessary. Expect Hartenstein to be back next season.
The Spurs figure to be the Thunder’s biggest rival for years to come. Wemby led San Antonio to the NBA Finals at 22 years old. He is just getting started, and OKC needs counters. That fact alone should have the Thunder trying to sign Hartenstein long-term.
Chet Holmgren’s struggles made Isaiah Hartenstein a building block for the Thunder
Chet averaged just 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game in the conference finals. He only shot 7.3 times per game and had just two attempts in Game 7. Holmgren was tentative against the Spurs and rarely took on the matchup against Wembanyama. Oklahoma City needs him to play like a star against San Antonio, but they want another big man to help wear down the Alien.
The Thunder structured Hartenstein’s deal to have a team option this summer, knowing the roster got significantly more expensive. Sam Presti wanted that optionality. He is committed to his three stars and keeping OKC in title contention. They must trim payroll, but have no plans of letting their starting center walk.
The safest bet is reworking I-Hart’s contract to pay him less per season over multiple years. The 28-year-old big man is in his prime. They could offer him a four-year deal in the ballpark of $100 million to ensure he gets paid and to lessen their spending this season.
The Thunder knew multiple pieces were likely leaving the organization this summer. Presti wanted to have options for a situation like this. Oklahoma City can’t dump Hartenstein, and have nobody to match up against Wemby. Holmgren’s struggles make I-Hart a crucial piece that the Thunder cannot lose.
Expect Hartenstein to get a multi-year extension this summer that pays him a massive sum. He should be thanking Holmgren for that deal. If the All-Star big man doesn’t struggle in the playoffs and looks ready to play the five exclusively, this might be a different story. In reality, I-Hart is locked in, and the Thunder have to find a way to get Chet to perform as he does against the other 28 teams when OKC faces the Spurs.
Chet Holmgren’s struggles have locked Isaiah Hartenstein in as part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s core. They must trim payroll to avoid the second apron, but I-Hart isn’t going anywhere. The Thunder need the big man. Hartenstein should thank Holmgren for keeping him on the Thunder for years to come.
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