Josh Hart Trolls Isaiah Hartenstein After Signing $87 Million Deal With The Thunder

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The New York Knicks took a significant hit on Monday when center Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the wake of this news, Knicks forward Josh Hart took to social media platform X to humorously troll his former teammate.

"You are dead to me Zay. I never liked you anyways. But congrats on the bag!"

This lighthearted jab highlights the camaraderie and banter that often exist between teammates, even as they part ways in the competitive world of professional basketball.

This move came after Hartenstein's career-best season, where he averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 64.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Hartenstein's departure was somewhat anticipated given the Knicks' recent acquisitions, including wing Mikal Bridges and the re-signing of OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract.

Hartenstein's move to the Thunder is a significant step in his career. His performance last season showcased his value, leading to a substantial contract offer from Oklahoma City. At 26 years old, Hartenstein is entering his prime, and the Thunder are betting on his continued growth and ability to contribute at a high level.

For the Knicks, losing Hartenstein marks the end of a productive two-year tenure. His departure leaves a gap in the frontcourt that New York will need to address as they continue to build their roster. The team's recent transactions indicate a strategic shift, focusing on strengthening their wing positions with the likes of Bridges and Anunoby.

While the Knicks' fan base may be concerned about losing a key player, Hartenstein's new opportunity with the Thunder opens up fresh possibilities for both teams. For Hartenstein, it's a chance to prove his worth on a lucrative contract, and for the Knicks, it's an opportunity to reshape their lineup and potentially explore new talents to fill the void.

Josh Hart's playful send-off serves as a reminder of the bonds formed within teams, even as players move on to new chapters in their careers. As the NBA offseason progresses, both the Thunder and the Knicks will be closely watched to see how these changes impact their respective futures.

Julius Randle Would Have Be Playing The Center Position For The Knicks Then

With Isaiah Hartenstein's departure, the New York Knicks find themselves a bit thin at the center position, relying heavily on Mitchell Robinson. Although Robinson is a strong defensive presence, his injury history is a concern, having played only 31 games last season. This situation has prompted the Knicks to adjust their strategy, especially during crucial moments of the game.

The Knicks' likely starting lineup for the upcoming season includes Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. However, during crunch time, Julius Randle is expected to shift to the center position. This move allows the Knicks to bring in either Josh Hart or Donte DiVincenzo, enhancing their lineup's versatility and defensive capabilities.

Despite being undersized for a traditional center role, Randle's exceptional rebounding skills make him a viable option. With career averages of 9.4 rebounds per game, Randle can hold his own in the paint. His physicality and tenacity on the boards provide the Knicks with a reliable presence down low, even against bigger opponents.

Defensively, the Knicks have the potential to be a formidable team when fully healthy. The combination of Randle at center with versatile defenders like Bridges and Anunoby on the wings creates a dynamic and switchable defense. This setup allows the Knicks to effectively guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and contest shots at a high level.

Offensively, the smaller lineup with Randle at center offers more spacing and versatility. Randle's ability to handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and drive to the basket adds another dimension to the Knicks' offense. This lineup can spread the floor, create mismatches, and open up driving lanes for Brunson and other perimeter players.

Julius Randle's shift to the center position during crunch time could be a strategic move by the Knicks to maximize their roster's strengths. His rebounding prowess and versatility, combined with the defensive capabilities of his teammates, give the Knicks a competitive edge in tight games. While the team may face challenges with depth at the center position, this adjustment showcases their adaptability and commitment to maintaining a strong defensive identity.

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