3 Centers Knicks Can Sign After Isaiah Hartenstein Thunder Deal

The New York Knicks will have to look on the open market after Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 1, 2024

May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) looks to pass the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the fourth quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are saying goodbye to their starting center for the past season after Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Knicks had an offer for four years worth $72.5 million, but that was the most they could give Hartenstein. Naturally, Hartenstein followed the money and is now one of the highest-paid centers in the NBA.

The Knicks aren't completely lost at the center position with Mitchell Robinson able to step back into the starting lineup, but New York will need to look in free agency for another big man or two.

Here's a look at three players the Knicks could sign to replace Hartenstein:

Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic

Bitadze played a career-high 62 games and started 33 of them this past season for the Magic. He averaged five points and 4.6 rebounds per game, proving that he can contribute in a rotation for one of the better teams in the NBA.

While Bitadze wasn't involved in the Magic's postseason rotation, he can protect the rim similar to how Hartenstein did this past season for the Knicks.

On top of that, Bitadze won't be worth too much and the Knicks will look to try and find ways to cut costs wherever they can.

Mo Bamba, Philadelphia 76ers

Bamba was once considered a top prospect in the NBA, and while he isn't that anymore, he would likely consider a homecoming contract with the Knicks.

The Harlem native spent this past season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He isn't as much of a rim protector as Hartenstein was, but he can stretch the floor and be involved in the pick-and-roll game with Jalen Brunson.

Bismack Biyombo, Oklahoma City Thunder

Biyombo is a proven veteran who has played with six different franchises across his NBA career. He spent this past season starting 27 games for the Memphis Grizzlies before reaching a buyout agreement and joining the Thunder for the stretch run.

While Biyombo may not be as agile or versatile as Hartenstein was, he can still fill in some gaps and come to New York on a minimum contract.

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Published Jul 1, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.