Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks just had his biggest and best season year, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
He was a crucial part of the team’s run through the playoffs and gained the attention of many fans and teams.
One of those teams may write up a large contract for him this summer and according to a recent report, he will likely take that contract.
Kurt Helin is reporting, via NBACentral, that a bidding war is expected for Hartenstein this summer.
According to Helin, the bidding will start at around $20 million per season.
There are numerous teams around the league that have the cap space necessary to draft up a deal like that for Hartenstein.
Additionally, there are many franchises that would love the skills of the big man.
Hartenstein played more than ever before during the 2023-24 season and he impressed countless people with his traditional skills and size.
He would serve a number of teams well but the Knicks could fight hard to keep him.
The team was repeatedly shorthanded this season because of injuries and Hartenstein was able to help a lot when others were pulled from games.
They had a good thing going this season and they are now considered one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.
They will want to hold onto as many players as they can moving forward and don’t want to mess up the chemistry that has been built.
But Hartenstein’s breakout season means that he has a chance to make a lot more money and he has every right to pursue that.
So if the Knicks want to keep him, they will have to pay handsomely.