The NBA Knicks might not have $100 million to spare. Free agent Isaiah Hartenstein
It’s possible that the New York Knicks will have to make some extremely tough choices in free agency this summer.
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It’s possible that the New York Knicks won’t be able to afford Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency after his incredible performance in the NBA Playoffs.
One could argue that Isaiah Hartenstein was the team member that gained the most from the New York Knicks’ postseason journey, which ended just one game short of their first participation in the Eastern Conference Finals in 24 years. That has suddenly changed. Going into the playoffs, the athlete may not have been a household name throughout the league.
Hartenstein is now a well-known athlete going into the offseason as he gets ready to test the free agency market. Hartenstein is expected to receive a sizable salary after entering the free agent market at the ideal moment. During the playoffs, he averaged nine points and eight rebounds on 59 percent shooting from the field. He may have even played himself out of a Knicks uniform because he was so good.
There’s a growing feeling that the Knicks might not be able to afford Hartenstein in free agency this offseason given that he might be in line for a $100 million contract, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Hartenstein’s chances of getting the massive contract he could want on the open market are dwindling in light of the extensions the Knicks have to work through with players like Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Jalen Brunson.
Isaiah Hartenstein might need to be replaced by someone else for the New York Knicks.
There’s suddenly a rising possibility that the Knicks may also need to figure out how to locate a replacement for Hartenstein as they head into an offseason where they will try to find the last piece of their championship puzzle.
After starting this season as a substitute for the frequently injured Mitchell Robinson, the athlete swiftly established himself as a vital member of the Knicks. However, New York may have a significant void at the center position.
The scenario in which New York tries to trade Robinson to create space for Hartenstein’s new contract is one possible strategy to keep him around. The Knicks need to discuss this with the team going into the offseason, even if it is unclear if they would be able to accomplish it.
Every indication is that Hartenstein will receive his large salary this offseason. Will it originate from the Knicks or from a different team is the question.