Former LA Clipper, Isaiah Hartenstein, just signed the next contract of his career, not long after free agency began, and it’s for three years, worth $75 million, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will keep him on their roster until he’s 30 years old. Had the Thunder not gone with Aday Mara with the 12th overall pick, Hartenstein’s deal would’ve been great, but because they did, it’ll be considered a total mistake very soon.
The decision simply makes no sense; why pay someone who will probably have their starting job given to a better, and younger, player on both sides of the ball if everything pans out?
Hartenstein will end up being one of the highest-paid sixth men in the league, and that’s not the situation to be in, especially when there are cheaper, more effective options on the market.
OKC messed up in paying Hartenstein when Mara can offer more off the rip
In the postseason, particularly the Western Conference Finals, it’s safe to say Isaiah Hartenstein was exposed. He couldn’t slow down Victor Wembanyama at all, failed to become a factor offensively outside of the paint, and was an overall disappointment for the Oklahoma City Thunder with everything on the line.
As a result, their front office made the right call on draft night by taking Aday Mara. He looked like a replacement for Hartenstein, which would force the veteran big man to find a new team.
However, the Thunder still ended up paying Hartenstein. Why is that? The world may never know.
Mara can contribute more in scoring and playmaking, showed signs of a three-point jumper at the combine, and, best of all, is light-years better as a defender.
He has all of the tangibles to be an elite rim protector, such as a 7 '6 wingspan and 9' 9 standing reach, and can easily become one of the best in the league as a rookie.
Additionally, he’s the perfect guy to counter the San Antonio Spurs’ strategy of feeding Wembanyana. It worked against Hartenstein, but it will be a challenge when matched up with Mara.
That said, wondering what the Thunder were thinking is fair. Though they’re known to make good decisions with their cap space and in the draft, giving Hartenstein a pretty penny just after snagging Mara in the lottery is certainly questionable.
What’s worse is that there is a world where Mara’s development is slowed down by Hartenstein. This is another reason Oklahoma City should’ve avoided the NBA champion in free agency.
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