Not all NBA players experience the same journey in their careers. Some have to work a bit harder to secure their earnings and maximize their market value when the opportunity arises.
This was true for Isaiah Hartenstein, who left the New York Knicks to sign a highly lucrative deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.
While the decision made perfect financial sense, it was evidently a tough choice for him.
When asked about it, Hartenstein expressed his love for his teammates and the city, and he thanked Tom Thibodeau and Leon Rose for everything they did for him during their time together (via Knicks Videos).
Isaiah Hartenstein says it was "hard" to leave the Knicks:
"I love my teammates, I love New York. I really appreciate what Thibs and Leon did for me. The fans in New York showed a lot of love." pic.twitter.com/FB7oDSoI7m
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 7, 2024
Hartenstein entered the league as a second-round pick and had to work hard for everything he’s achieved in the NBA.
He was waived by the Houston Rockets before signing with the Denver Nuggets. Later, the Nuggets traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Subsequently, he signed free-agent deals with the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks.
Often, he struggled to secure significant playing time and was frequently out of the rotation. However, he capitalized on his minutes with the Knicks, especially late in the season when Mitchell Robinson was injured, proving he deserved more playing time.
This performance led the Oklahoma City Thunder to offer him a three-year deal worth $87 million, hoping he will provide the physical presence they need to continue their progress after a promising season.
