Fastbreak Hoops: Kevin Durant joining Golden State cost him a chance at having one of the most respected legacies in NBA history. The rings helped his résumé, but they absolutely hurt the way people remember his career. Kyle Kuzma: His legacy is upmost respected amongst his peers and that my friend is truly the only thing that matters. The people that really tie those sneakers up say that you're him. Not the media, not the fan. Golden state or not. Matt Champion: You trying to say fans don't matter, Kuz? You're a Lakers champ, so you'll always have my respect, but that seems surprising coming from you. I agree on KD, btw. One of the best to ever play. Kyle Kuzma: Thank you my brother… Fans matter 100%. Never said otherwise. My point was fans and players see the game differently, and both views are real.
x.com
Fastbreak Hoops: Kevin Durant joining Golden State cost him a chance at having one of the most respected legacies in NBA history. The rings helped his résumé, but they absolutely hurt the way people remember his career. Kyle Kuzma: His legacy is upmost respected amongst his peers and that my friend is truly the only thing that matters. The people that really tie those sneakers up say that you're him. Not the media, not the fan. Golden state or not. Matt Champion: You trying to say fans don't matter, Kuz? You're a Lakers champ, so you'll always have my respect, but that seems surprising coming from you. I agree on KD, btw. One of the best to ever play. Kyle Kuzma: Thank you my brother… Fans matter 100%. Never said otherwise. My point was fans and players see the game differently, and both views are real. — 8/20/2026 x.com
The changes are due, at least in part, to the stricter salary cap rules, including the first and second aprons. Criticism of this is growing louder… Isaiah Hartenstein: It's always difficult for us. These rules were introduced back then because of Kevin Durant 's move to the Golden State Warriors , to prevent teams from having too many players of that caliber. But currently, it's not working out as intended. We're a team that has built up players from scratch, who then have to be traded again because of the second apron. That's a shame. It was the same issue with my contract. It's not like the team doesn't want to pay you. But when you're in the second apron, it's no longer just a financial question; you're also severely restricted in trades. That makes it really difficult for a team, and I think ultimately it hasn't really helped the players either. — 8/16/2026 Basketball World
MAL: Klay Thompson reveals his ALL-TIME starting five C — Shaquille O'Neal PF — Tim Duncan SF — LeBron James SG — Kobe Bryant PG — Stephen Curry Klay explained why he went with Shaq, praising how he completely changed the game, while calling Tim Duncan the definition of consistency. He chose LeBron over Larry Bird and Kevin Durant, Kobe over Michael Jordan because he grew up watching Kobe and eventually played against him, and stayed loyal to Ste

At the start of the summer, big-time decisions had to be made. The Oklahoma City Thunder faced several roster dilemmas. This was always going to be a roster-changing offseason. But by the end of their NBA playoff run, most questions had answered themselves.
One being — who should OKC prioritize to keep, Lu Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein? The Thunder didn't need to split hairs on that. The latter proved to go from a luxury to a necessity. Meanwhile, Cason Wallace was ready to take over Dort's starting gig and responsibilities.
The Thunder made their choice. They signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $75 million deal. A fresh contract ensured he'd stay in OKC. All before he even had the chance to test the open market. Meanwhile, Dort's team option was picked up. But with the caveat of him being traded to the Atlanta Hawks a couple of weeks afterward.
Hartenstein recently told German media outlet 'Basket-World News' his reaction to OKC's busy offseason. The Thunder have lost some of their depth to avoid the second apron. But they made sure to keep the seven-footer for next season and beyond. He was too important to their success over the last two years. He talked about Dort's departure after previously being tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the longest-tenured Thunder player.
"There's always a human element involved. You probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family over the course of the season. So you do grow very close," Hartenstein said. "But at the end of the day, we all know it's a business. I think Sam Presti at least put him in a good position. There are a lot of general managers who just send players off to some other team where they have no chance of winning or performing well. So at least I know he's in a good position and can play."

#meanwhile #offseason

By the end of the 2026 NBA playoffs, Isaiah Hartenstein turned himself from a luxury to an essential. The Oklahoma City Thunder had learned through their two seasons together that they had to figure something out this summer. Before he could even test the open waters, they extended their marriage.
Ripping apart his $28.5 million 2026-27 team option, the Thunder awarded Hartenstein a three-year, $75 million contract. He's now in OKC through the 2028-29 season. At least, theoretically. The final year is a mutual option. It provides the seven-footer with some sense of financial security and control over his future.
In his two seasons, Hartenstein has been a grand-slam addition. He helped the Thunder win the 2025 NBA championship as a prominent starter. He almost helped them win another one in their back-to-back ambitions that fell just short. In his time in OKC, he's averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.7 ***** ists.
Safe to say that both the Thunder and Hartenstein have been ecstatic since his arrival. For OKC, it finally added a traditional center who allows Chet Holmgren to play power forward. He's also single-handedly fixed their rebounding woes and gives them a legitimate screen-setter and lob threat. Something this iteration of the team has never had before.
And for Hartenstein, he's enjoyed his best years and some stability. Before he joined OKC, he was a career journeyman trying to find his footing in the NBA. But the Thunder have given him creative freedoms that his previous stops didn't allow. The seven-footer's playmaking has been on full display. He's served as an offensive hub. He's also averaged a double-double.

#thunder #something #option

The changes are due, at least in part, to the stricter salary cap rules, including the first and second aprons. Criticism of this is growing louder… Isaiah Hartenstein: It's always difficult for us. These rules were introduced back then because of Kevin Durant 's move to the Golden State Warriors , to prevent teams from having too many players of that caliber. But currently, it's not working out as intended. We're a team that has built up players from scratch, who then have to be traded again because of the second apron. That's a shame. It was the same issue with my contract. It's not like the team doesn't want to pay you. But when you're in the second apron, it's no longer just a financial question; you're also severely restricted in trades. That makes it really difficult for a team, and I think ultimately it hasn't really helped the players either.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Isaiah Hartenstein on current CBA: It makes it really difficult for a team and it hasn't really helped players either

#really #hartenstein

Your future in Oklahoma City wasn't secure after the season ended. Now you've signed a new three-year contract. How important was it for you to remain part of this project? Isaiah Hartenstein: I really wanted to stay with this team for the long term and continue playing for a ****** le contender. Of course, I was aware of my market value. It was already higher than what we negotiated. But because of the second apron and the way the team is structured, I had to accept a slightly lower salary. It's still a lot of money, of course, but it's a pay cut I had to accept for the sake of the team.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Isaiah Hartenstein on staying in OKC: I really wanted to stay for the long term and continue to play for a ****** le contender

#isaiah #term #title

Oklahoma City Thunder forward-center Isaiah Hartenstein is back with Germany's senior national team, making it clear that his return is about far more than just adding another chapter to his international career. After more than eight years away from the program, the 28-year-old big is excited to represent Germany once again, having last worn the national team jersey back in February 2018 during a FIBA World Cup 2019 Qualifiers matchup against Georgia. "I'm really happy," he stated in a recent interview with German media outlet Basketball World. "I actually wanted to play for the last two years."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Georgia. "I'm really happy," he stated in a recent …

#georgia #national #really

Brandon Rahbar: Isaiah Hartenstein and the Hartenstein Foundation threw a back-to school bash for more than 300 students on Saturday. The Hartenstein Foundation welcomed kids and their families from three local nonprofits; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Positive Tomorrows and the City Rescue Mission. Hartenstein and his family hosted the organizations for an afternoon of fun that included food, games, activities, prizes, free haircuts, music from Thunder DJ Emcee One and even a surprise visit from Rumble the Bison. Additionally, during the back-to-school celebration, the Hartenstein Foundation gifted each kid with a new backpack filled with school supplies to tip off the school year and ensure kids are geared up and game ready for the first day of school.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Isaiah Hartenstein and the Hartenstein Foundation …

#hartenstein

Alex Caruso sends a clear message on Thunder's strategy at the American Century Championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stateline, NV – The Oklahoma City Thunderdrafted Aday Mara out of Michigan with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NBA draft and later re-signed Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. With these moves, OKC became a long and tall team. That should make them dangerous this coming winter.
Alex Caruso believes the Thunder's versatility and depth will be a major plus this coming season. I got the chance to ask Caruso about his team while catching him coming off the 18th hole.
"Yeah, just versatility, you know? Having depth at that position (center) is big; at every position, I think we've got two really good guards, wings, and bigs. And you never know what will happen during the season, so just having guys who can play…It's always good," Caruso told me.
Last year, when I spoke to Caruso at the 2025 American Century Championship, he celebrated OKC's continuity after coming off a seven-game NBA Finals triumph.

We're into the sixth day of NBA free agency, and amazingly, the top names on this list are the ones that were there when free agency started. That's not a shock with the restricted free agents, that's a battle of leverage, and in the case of LeBron James, he is taking his time and letting the market play out.
A few of the top names are off our board — Trae Young, Austin Reaves, Isaiah Hartenstein, Walker Kessler — but a lot remain. Here are our top 10 currently available free agents.
Jalen Duren and his representatives have tried. They met with the Lakers, who called him a player deserving of a max offer, then Los Angeles traded for Walker Kessler, and that took them off the board. They met with Sacramento, and it was leaked how much Duren wanted to play for the Kings (something that met with a few eye rolls around the league). The sides discussed a sign-and-trade, but Detroit shot that idea down, especially with Domantas Sabonis at the heart of any proposed deal.
Duren wants to get paid, reportedly seeking a deal with an average salary north of $40 million a season, the Pistons are thinking mid-$30 million a year range. Duren's camp points to an All-NBA regular-season campaign for the 22-year-old big man, in which he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while playing elite defense. However, a playoffs where he largely disappeared in key moments (averaging 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds) hurt his value. In the end, it sucks to be a restricted free agent in the NBA because you have no real leverage. The choices on the board for Duren are ultimately to sign a deal with the Pistons or play for the $9.6 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent. But with the Pistons likely offering four or five years, at mid-$30 million a season (five years, $180 million?), that's generational wealth and a lot of money to just leave on the table.
LeBron James, as he has done throughout his career, is now dominating the free agency spotlight — and he is going to bask in it. No decision is expected in the next few days.

It's peak NBA rumor season.
Now that the NBA draft has passed, it's on to that dead-period before free agency officially begins. As teams negotiate potential deals and make calls about available players, there's naturally been a bunch of rumors going around.
Free agency begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, and any trades or deals can officially be consummated on July 6, when the league's moratorium ends.
The Miami Heat ****** erted themselves with a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to join Bam Adebayo in South Beach. The Minnesota Timberwolves sent out Naz Reid but added LaMelo Ball, pairing him with Anthony Edwards. The move comes after they were able to acquire Ayo Dosunmu in a trade with the Chicago Bulls.
The NBA champion New York Knicks expressed desire to avoid the second apron, but re-signed the hometown veteran guard Jose Alvarado, while the Oklahoma City Thunder extended big man Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $75 million contract.

The OKC Thunder selected Kentucky’s Otega Oweh with the No. 41 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
OKC originally owned the No. 37 pick but traded down, sending it to the Miami Heat in exchange for the No. 41 pick and cash considerations. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the deal.
Oweh is a 6-foot-5 guard who spent the first two seasons of his college career at OU before transferring to Kentucky in 2024. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 ****** ists as a senior this past season with the Wildcats on 46.5% shooting from the field (33.3% from deep).
Oweh is a physical defender who also uses his strength to his advantage on offense. He regularly bulldozes his way into the paint and finishes around the rim, and he’s continuing to work on becoming a better floor ****** er.
OKC also selected Michigan’s Aday Mara with the No. 12 pick, and it traded up to No. 16 to select Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz. The Thunder entered the draft with 14 players under contract including Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams.

It seems like every fan of the Los Angeles Lakers wants the team to obtain some sort of substantial upgrade at the center position. Deandre Ayton, the team's starter this season, was up and down, both in terms of production and effort, and he has a player option for next season, while backup Jaxson Hayes, who has limited skills, will become a free agent this summer.
The Lakers have been linked to soon-to-be-free agent centers such as Walker Kessler, Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III. But as The Athletic beat writer Dan Woike noted in a new mailbag, many, if not most, of L.A.'s center targets may be unrealistic.
"Walker Kessler is someone they’ve targeted in the past, and the door could be slightly open for a sign-and-trade that would make Utah uncomfortable with the financial commitment to their frontcourt," Woike wrote. "But I just don’t think the Jazz want to deal him — they’ve had chances.
"Does Yves Missi have the right set of skills to completely thrive in a Dončić system? It seems like it. Can he do it in high-leverage moments as Daniel Gafford and Derrick Lively II did in Dallas? Very 'to be determined.' I’m skeptical that Cleveland, in an effort to ease financial problems, would rid itself of its starting center in Jarrett Allen without having a great line on a different starting center. I also think Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein are far more likely to return to their teams than to enter free agency. (If Hartenstein were gettable, it’d almost certainly have to be via trade after the [Oklahoma City] Thunder exercise their team option, the Lakers then arming Oklahoma City with more draft capital.)
"Robert Williams III is an option, though Portland, according to league sources, is expected to show interest in re-signing him after he played 59 games last season — second-most in his injury-hampered career."

With the NBA offseason right around the corner, the rumors have ramped up. It's that time of the year when the entire league is positioning itself for a jam-packed summer. Teams will change and players will find new homes. For the first time in a couple of summers, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take part in the mayhem.
Falling short of a second NBA championship, the Thunder will have to decide on the long-term future of a handful of players. Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams all have team options for the 2026-27 season. Cason Wallace is eligible for a contract extension after a third-year breakout.
Of that quartet, Hartenstein is one of the more surefire examples that he'll stick around in OKC. The latest reassurance of that forecast? HoopsHype's Michael Scotto detailed what the rest of the league thinks the Thunder will handle his $28.5 million option.
"He's expected to remain in Oklahoma City," Scotto wrote. "The question among executives around the league is whether the Thunder will exercise their team option or decline it and work out a new multi-year deal at a lower average annual salary."
If I had to guess, I think the Thunder go for the latter. They usually don't like to see players play a full season with uncertainty clouding over them. Instead, they value team control and flipping players for future draft capital plus more. Think there's a world where both sides come to some sorta agreement to keep Hartenstein around for a few more years.

Jared McCain makes fun of his situation with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the best series of the 2026 Playoffs was the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. It was quite competitive, as it went a full seven games, but there were some controversial moments throughout the series.
This included when backup big men Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo committed some gnarly fouls against Jared McCain. It was revealed that Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama told them to commit some hard fouls during garbage time of Game 5.
In one of the most physical series in recent memory, the Thunder and Spurs kept getting into it. Isaiah Hartenstein, in particular, became infamous for his physical play in the paint against Wembanyama.
This led to the Spurs' giant retaliating because he did not want the Thunder to keep taking advantage of their physicality. This led to constant moments throughout the series, including when Wembanyama was caught on camera instructing his teammates to commit hard fouls.