By Cole Sullivan0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Isaiah Hartenstein has played a pivotal role in the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, quickly establishing himself as a starter after signing with the team in free agency before last season.
Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract in July 2024, but the final year of the deal is a team option worth $28.5 million. That means Oklahoma City will soon have an important decision to make regarding his future following its Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
With extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren expected to increase the Thunder's payroll in the coming years, the organization must decide whether to exercise Hartenstein's option or allow him to enter unrestricted free agency, where he would likely attract significant interest around the league.
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The 28-year-old addressed the situation during the team's exit interviews but declined to get too far into the details, given how recently the season ended.
“We just lost yesterday. That will be something that will be discussed,” Hartenstein said. “I love being here. I love the organization. But a lot is in their hands.
“Them and my agent will talk. It's a business at the end of the day. But whatever happens, I'm truly grateful.”
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Hartenstein started 46 of the 47 games he appeared in this past season, averaging 24.2 minutes, 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
He also established himself as one of the league's premier rim protectors, an area where much of his value comes from, and one of the main reasons he has become such an important piece of the Thunder's rotation.
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