Late Tuesday night, the New York Knicks swung a blockbuster trade to land Mikal Bridges, which surely impacts the rest of their offseason plans. His arrival not only impacts the Knicks on the court, it could also alter how the team approaches their future spending too.
For now, the Knicks head into the offseason with a desire to re-sign two key contributors from last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals run. O.G. Anunoby figures to receive offers north of $30 million per season and Isaiah Hartenstein is viewed as one of the best centers available in free agency.
But the Knicks have seemingly set up their core to be based around Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, so where do the other two fit? Early reports following the Bridges trade indicate that the Knicks will still pursue an extension with Anunoby, but they could run into issues with Hartenstein.
Isaiah Hartenstein may be left out of New York Knicks’ plans
According to SNY’s Knicks insider Ian Begley, now it’s looking more like Hartenstein will sign with another team this summer.
“NYK free agent C Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to be a top target for several opposing teams in free agency. With the offers that Hartenstein is expected to command on open market, it’s become increasingly unlikely that NYK will be able to retain Hartenstein, per SNY sources.”
Ian Begley on New York Knicks’ free agency plans for Isaiah Hartenstein
As mentioned, Hartenstein will have no shortage of suitors this offseason. Depending on what the Knicks do with Mitchell Robinson, who’s reportedly on the trade block, we could see an entirely new rotation of bigs playing for coach Tom Thibodeau in New York next season.
Related: Top NBA insider: Paul George could request a trade from Los Angeles Clippers this summer