Sam Vecenie of Game theory The podcast believes that the Oklahoma City Thunder have the best defense in the NBA. However, while discussing this belief with Bryce Simon, he highlighted a pressing issue OKC will face next summer: the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein.
“Oklahoma City, at least until they lose Hartenstein next offseason,” Vecenie said. “Apparently, in all likelihood, unless he takes a massive discount on what he could get on the market, right? Or unless they’re willing to go supernova on the tax. Their tax bill would be crazy if they kept Hartenstein for more than $25 million, which is what I think he’ll be able to get on the market.”
With Hartenstein in the lineup, the Thunder’s defense is otherworldly. But unfortunately for OKC, he might not be there long term.
Why could Thunder lose Isaiah Hartenstein?
The second apron spares no team. The Boston Celtics learned this the hard way this summer. They traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and were unable to re-sign Al Horford and Luke Kornet due to their quest to dodge the second apron.
OKC is in a bit of a different position. They should be able to retain most of their core pieces, but some guys, like Hartenstein, might become too expensive to keep, especially if they want a salary.
Hartenstein is one of the most underrated centers in the NBA on both ends of the court. His offensive game is impressive, but the interior presence he provides on the defensive end is where he really shines.
Having such a presence under the basket has elevated the Thunder defense to what it is today, especially when paired with the peripheral presence of Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and the rest of the roster.
Unfortunately, the same skills he uses to elevate the Thunder’s defense are the same skills that could get him paid next summer, forcing OKC to either pay him off and sink into the luxury tax or lose him in free agency.
Vecenie believes Hartenstein will eventually leave the Thunder because they won’t be able to pay him, especially considering how much money the rest of their team makes. They could quickly run into second apron issues, and letting Hartenstein walk could be the equivalent of Boston trading Holiday and Porzingis.
Without him, the Thunder will need to find another big man to take his place, although Jaylin Williams could help in that regard.
For now, Hartenstein is helping the Thunder defense, but he may not be able to stay much longer.
