2025 NBA Finals - Game Seven
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Alex Caruso #9 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate as their team defeats the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder still holds the best record in the league and remain the favorites to repeat as NBA Champions. Most expected the Thunder to stand pat and not look at any trades ahead of this season’s trade deadline in February. However, one scenario is starting to unfold that could place fan favorite center Isaiah Hartenstein moved for financial purposes.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst spoke on his Hoop Collective podcast about how Hartenstein’s $28 million team option in the offseason may turn them away from keeping him. Oklahoma City is considering trading Hartenstein for a cheaper option since they’d likely prefer to pass on that much money to a player nowhere near their top four. Many teams across the league would love to have a center like Hartenstein to make this a relevant rumor.
A good trade offer must come in for the Thunder to risk losing an important player ahead of the playoffs. Oklahoma City proved this roster could win it all last season, and they’ve continued to have another dominant season through many injuries. The Hartenstein signing is already a success for the title, and the Thunder could finagle it to help the future.
Thunder Could Find Cheaper Replacement
One major reason for this potential trade would be Oklahoma City prioritizing some discounted contracts for a slight talent downgrade. Chet Holmgren is versatile enough to start at center for the Thunder, but the team will still need another reserve to help manage the minutes effectively.
NBA insider Evan Sidery mentioned that Oklahoma City having one of the most expensive rosters in the league motivates them more to get creative with deals like this. Hartenstein is a valuable commodity, but he’s certainly not irreplaceable for a team with this much depth and youth on their side.
Thunder management will only trade Hartenstein for the right contracts and talents that can help prolong their run as a top dog in the Western Conference. Both teams lacking a center with high hopes this season and rebuilding teams wanting a veteran big for next year could enter the picture with strong offers.
Thunder Losing Might Impact Hartenstein Trade
Oklahoma City’s dominant start to the season saw many expecting them to challenge the Golden State Warriors 73-9 all-time best regular season record. However, more inconsistent play over the past month sees them no longer having a historic pace with too many losses piling up.
The Thunder are still the top dog, but more teams have a chance against them this season. Recent losses have exposed their flaws and could make them attempt to shake things up faster than expected. Windhorst claimed that “the Thunder will not just assume everything is fine” regarding the team no longer dominating all their opponents.
Another variable is Oklahoma City having valuable future draft picks of other teams. One pick attached to Hartenstein could tempt teams with their desired targets to make it work. The Thunder is in a win-win situation of having a great contender if they keep Hartenstein and having a chance to get more flexible if they deal him now.