The Oklahoma City Thunder surprised the league this week when it was revealed they have registered trade interest in [moving on from center Isaiah Hartenstein](https://thunderousintentions.com/thunder-have-golden-trade-ticket-to-cash-in-if-latest-rumors-are-true-isaiah-hartenstein-ivica-zubac).
From a financial context, a move would make sense. Hartenstein has a $28 million club option this offseason, and the Thunder will face stiff second apron penalties if they are unable to make significant changes to their roster before the start of next season.
Yet it must be remembered that they are poised to contend for another championship. Is such a drastic in-season move truly likely if it harms their chances in the playoffs?
With Nikola Jokic making his return for the Denver Nuggets, moving on from Hartenstein would almost certainly handicap their ability to [contend with their greatest threat](https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-bill-simmons-believes-surging-rival-dethroned-title-favorites).
The lingering danger the Nuggets pose, therefore, could scare Oklahoma City out of making any sort of move this week.
The Thunder desperately need Isaiah Hartenstein as long as it is reasonable to keep him
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Although he has been limited this season with a recurring calf issue, Hartenstein has still been excellent. Through 25 games, he's averaging 11.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 64% from the field.
Yet his performance on the offensive end is secondary to the defensive impact he has for the team.
Last season, the addition of Hartenstein was one of the factors that ultimately got the Thunder over the hump. Playing in the frontcourt alongside Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein has provided a formidable, rim-protecting presence that has helped anchor Oklahoma City's defense.
This season, the Thunder are fifth in offensive rating and first in defensive rating. By all accounts, they are the championship favorites. But Denver poses a serious threat.
Even having missed virtually all of their star players for lengthy stretches of the season, the Nuggets hold the third seed in the Western Conference and the best offensive rating in the NBA. Jokic looks poised for another MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 29.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.8 assists while knocking down 43.9% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Beyond Hartenstein, the Thunder have no options to truly limit Jokic. Holmgren has taken steps as a rim protector this season, but the size and strength he gives up in that matchup are too significant to overcome.
It's becoming increasingly clear that Oklahoma City must view themselves through the lens of Jokic if they want to repeat as champions. Do they have what it takes to fend him off?
If they move Hartenstein for purely financial reasons, they certainly will not.