The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to keep Isaiah Hartenstein, despite their spending questions. I-Hart has a $28.5 million team option for next season. Declining it would virtually solve all OKC’s second apron woes, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said this on the latest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast.
“With Hartenstein, I’d be very, very, very, very surprised if he’s not back with Oklahoma City next year, and I do think the most likely scenario is an extension that starts at a lower number than he’s on now.”
That sounds like a virtual lock, and fans can’t be surprised. Hartenstein was tasked with being the primary defender on Victor Wembanyama in the conference finals. The Thunder love his size, versatility, playmaking, and defense. They want to win the title in 2027 and know I-Hart will help them accomplish that goal.
It wasn’t just MacMahon. Tim Bontemps also predicted Hartenstein would return to a longer-term deal at a lower salary for next season. OKC wants to keep their starting center and is motivated to get a fresh contract done for several reasons. This one feels like it is a formality that is just waiting on the details.
Isaiah Hartenstein will be back with the Thunder next season
The Thunder wants to lower his salary, but they will have additional work to do. The franchise is projected to be $28.5 million over the second apron and already has 15 players under contract for next season. OKC has two first-round draft picks and zero open roster spots. Sam Presti has to clear some space and would love to avoid the restrictions that come with the second apron.
Hartenstein taking less money next season would be a massive help. The Thunder would love to drop his salary to $20 million. They will decline Kenrich Williams' team option. After that, trading Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins could be enough to get OKC under the second apron and add a draft pick or two.
The Thunder’s spending skyrockets this summer as max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in. Despite his playoff struggles, Oklahoma City is committed to Holmgren long-term. They want to keep the three stars together, and Alex Carsuo is also viewed as a building block.
OKC can’t keep everyone unless they are comfortable paying a hefty luxury tax bill. Even if ownership is willing, Presti wouldn’t like the restrictions it would place on his roster building. Hartenstein isn’t going anywhere, which makes it more likely that Luguentz Dort is gone or also reworks his contract to save the franchise millions.
This is far from an easy decision. The Thunder will have to part with several talented players to dodge the second apron with the goal of winning a championship. Credit to Sam Presti for building the depth to make that possible, but it will still involve some pain.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon made it sound all but certain that Isaiah Hartenstein is back with the Oklahoma City Thunder next season as their starting center. Expect Presti to be busy this summer in retooling his roster, but it won’t be I-Hart that leaves town. Other moves are brewing, so fans should stay tuned for all the latest.
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