The New York Knicks may be losing a vital rotation player who has been instrumental over the past two years.
The team could face challenges in retaining center Isaiah Hartenstein, whose contract expires and will enter unrestricted free agency on July 1.
The 7-foot-1 big man is expected to be a top target for several other teams in free agency, given that he outplayed his previous contract.
The 26-year-old previously signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with the Knicks in the summer of 2022, earning $9.2 million in the 2023-24 season.
In addition, the team's current negotiations with star forward OG Anunoby for a new contract could complicate Hartenstein's prospects of securing a contract equal to his value.
The Knicks need to manage their assets carefully following the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. His deal with the Nets has $48.2 million remaining until 2025-26.
Isaiah Hartenstein, an essential piece for New York in 2023-24
Hartenstein was a significant piece for the Knicks last season, starting in 49 out of 75 games he appeared in during the regular season and playing a career-high 25.9 minutes per game.
The 2019 NBA G League Finals MVP recorded career-high numbers in rebounds (8.3), assists (2.5), and steals (1.2).
The German-American center also started in all 13 postseason games for the Knicks this year. The Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the first round but were eliminated in seven games in the second round by the Indiana Pacers.
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