The Oklahoma City Thunder have never been a team that uses free agency as a means of making major roster improvements since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. Conversely, OKC has historically assembled teams through the draft and trades.
This offseason, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein, the greatest free agent center available, to break that pattern. Undoubtedly, it was the largest free agency signing ever made by Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City has agreed to a three-year, $87 million contract with the 7-footer, as first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Later, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post stated that the third season is not guaranteed and that the contract is front-loaded.
The yearly breakdown of Hartenstein’s contract will result in him making north of $30 million in the first season and decline from there.
- 2024-25: $30.53 million
- 2025-26: $29.0 million
- 2026-27: $27.47 million (non-guaranteed)
While this is a massive payday for Hartenstein, it’s one that makes sense for both parties. The Thunder is able to reward the 26-year-old for his breakout season, but he also fits the team’s timeline. Both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will be earning maximum extensions soon, with those set to kick in during the 2026-27 season. This is a signing that allows Oklahoma City to maximize these next two years of financial flexibility without risking future challenges when extending the team’s rising stars.
It’s worth noting, the primary reason that the Thunder was able to sign Hartenstein to such a large deal and sway him from going back to the New York Knicks is because of the Gordon Hayward trade at the recent trade deadline. His expiring contract paved the way for OKC to be a significant cap space player in free agency. This is yet another example of Thunder GM Sam Presti making moves with the future in mind.