Thunderous Intentions
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Reports suggest Thunder aren't messing around in free agency

Reports note that the OKC Thunder have an invested interest in pursuing one of this year's more interesting free-agent big men.

ByMark Nilon|
Apr 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gives direction against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gives direction against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

For weeks now, the OKC Thunder have found themselves mentioned as being a "realistic" destination for one of this summer's most interesting available big men, Isaiah Hartenstein.

Following his career-best 2023-24 campaign with the New York Knicks that only saw him up his production under the bright lights of the postseason and become a real playoff darling, the 26-year-old has received ample attention from both teams and media pundits alike as he approaches unrestricted free agency, with some speculating he could be in for a rather lucrative new payday.

Though for the most part, it has only been hypothetical chatter that has linked the Thunder to the 7-footer, according to a recent report by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, there's now "a lot of intrigue" among the front office regarding the concept of a free agency pursuit.

Thunder eyeing Isaiah Hartenstein ahead of 2024 NBA Free Agency

"There’s a lot of intrigue around the OKC Thunder and Hartenstein, but I’ve heard OKC would look at doing short-term deals, most likely in free agency, if they’re going to make a move."
Michael Scotto

As things currently stand, the Thunder boast the fifth-most cap space in the entire association heading into the offseason, with roughly $35 million in spending power so, regardless of what Hartenstein's asking price might be, should they covet him enough they could easily match his salary requirements.

Of course, considering guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams will all be up for top-flight, maxed-out contract extensions in the next couple of seasons, there's strong reason to believe that Sam Presti and company may not be all that willing to spend big on multi-year pacts this offseason, which is exactly why Scotto is reporting they are more interest in short-term deals for the big rather than anything else.

Of course, as he would note in a follow-up statement to his report, the Knicks would theoretically "have an advantage" in contract negotiations over Oklahoma City, as they are more equipped to offer a desirable longer-term deal.

In the event that Hartenstein is looking for more money up front and a clearer route to an NBA Finals run, then signing on with the Thunder may be his ideal course of action. However, should extended financial security be more enticing to him, Loud City could wind up placing outside of his desired destinations list this summer.

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