The German center impressed in the Conference Finals as a ‘Wemby stopper,’ but his time with the Thunder could still end soon.
Following an epic seven-game series against the San Antonio Spurs, OKC’s dream of defending their title has been shattered. Crucial contract decisions must be made by the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who did a strong job against superstar Victor Wembanyama in several games against the Spurs, is affected.
‘I-Hart’ signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder in July 2024. However, the final year of his contract is a team option. Oklahoma City has until the end of June to exercise the $28.5 million option. If the reigning champions let the opportunity pass, the 28-year-old will become a free agent.
Hartenstein declined to comment on the discussions at the season-ending press conference, stating, «We just lost yesterday. That will be discussed later.» The soon-to-be DBB returnee would be happy to stay: «I love it here. I love the organization.»
However, the decision is not his to make, and the Thunder are under pressure to save money, as costly contract extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are due next season. Therefore, OKC might let the option pass and hope to agree on a more affordable new contract. «My agent and the team will talk. It’s a business in the end,» Hartenstein made clear, adding that he has likely sparked interest from other well-funded teams. «I am grateful in all cases.»
Not Just Hartenstein: OKC Must Also Decide on Dort and Williams
The big man isn’t the only player with a team option on the horizon. Lu Dort ($18.2 million) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million) also have their futures dependent on the franchise’s decision.
Dort also expressed his desire to continue playing in Oklahoma City: «The talks haven’t happened yet. But I have a lot of trust in the organization and Sam Presti (GM). I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me. I want to stay here.»
Williams echoed similar sentiments about his future: «It’s no secret that I want to stay here until I can’t play anymore. The environment here, the culture, the people I work with every day: This is a job where I can always be myself and have nice people and a good environment around me.»
«Zero Input»: SGA Trusts Presti with Roster Decisions
The Thunder hold two first-round picks in the upcoming draft. Recent league speculation suggests Presti might explore trade options with these picks to move into the top four of a talent-rich draft. The super talent Cam Boozer is reportedly high on their wish list.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear after the playoff exit that he does not want to interfere with roster planning: «I will give zero input. Instead, I’ll let Sam Presti, the greatest GM ever, just do his job.»
The point guard, whose strong performance in Game 7 couldn’t compensate for the absence of co-star Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, preferred to focus his critique on himself: «I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I will look at that reason and make sure it never happens again.»
Instead of a title defense for SGA and OKC, there will be a new champion this year. This marks the eighth consecutive year with a new titleholder. The Finals between the Spurs and the New York Knicks begin on Thursday night.
NBA: Isaiah Hartenstein’s Statistics for the 2025/2026 Season
| Season Phase | GP | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 47 | 24.1 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
| Playoffs | 15 | 23.4 | 9.1 | 8.3 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.7 |