Jalen Brunson predicted Isaiah Hartenstein would 'break the bank' in free agency — and was right

Jalen Brunson predicted Isaiah Hartenstein would 'break the bank' in free agency — and was right

New York Knicks players were well aware Isaiah Hartenstein was going to get paid in free agency.

Hartenstein is signing a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The offer tops the Knicks' max of four years, $72 million that they could offer Hartenstein.

While the total is only $15 million more, in average annual value, it's almost $11 million more per season. And Hartestein can now hit free agency again before he's 30.

Back in early June, Knicks star Jalen Brunson predicted Hartenstein would "break the bank" in free agency.

On the "Roommates" podcast with Brunson, Josh Hart, and host Matt Hillman, the three began talking about Knicks players with team-friendly contracts.

When Hart brought up Hartenstein's contract, Brunson responded, "Isaiah about to break the bank!"

Hart agreed, saying, "Isaiah's about to get a bag."

According to Spotrac, Hartenstein is now the 10th-highest-paid center in the league in average annual value.

Hartenstein was coming off a two-year, $16 million contract with the Knicks. Hartenstein had a breakout season with New York, filling in as a starter for the injured Mitchell Robinson and averaging 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

On Monday, Hart took to X to congratulate/rib Hartenstein.

Hartenstein's departure leaves the Knicks with a big void at center. They still have Robinson, who has been highly effective when healthy, but is oft-injured. The only other center on the roster is Jericho Sims, who has been inconsistent in limited minutes.

The Knicks let Precious Achiuwa, who played big minutes in Robinson's absence last season, hit unrestricted free agency.

The Knicks do have some cheap options they could turn to in free agency, but not many.