Dallas craves a healthy center. Could dynamic OKC big man Isaiah Hartenstein, a strong rebounder and defender, finally fill that crucial void?
With the Anthony Davis experiment firmly in the rearview mirror via his deadline trade to the Wizards, the Dallas Mavericks once again find themselves searching for stability at center, as Derek Lively II has not shown that he can stay healthy with consistency.
And the team could look to free agency to find that stability.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes, he picks who he thinks should be every NBA team's top free agent target in 2026. For the Mavericks, he thinks they should try to go get OKC Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein.
"Isaiah Hartenstein will only hit free agency if the Oklahoma City Thunder decline his $29 million team option, but that's not as ridiculous as it sounds," Hughes writes. "Hartenstein is a dynamic short-roll passer, potent rebounder and excellent interior defender. He'd also allow Cooper Flagg to roam on D like Chet Holmgren currently does (to great effect) for the Thunder."
The Mavericks’ current situation in the middle is … fragile. Lively is clearly a foundational piece when healthy, but counting on full availability from a young big who’s already dealt with injuries is risky business.
Add in the fact that the team seemed more than willing to listen to offers for Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline, and it’s fair to wonder whether Dallas is fully satisfied with its long-term options at the position.
The Thunder have a looming cap crunch, and Hartenstein’s contract was designed with flexibility in mind. If OKC decides to prioritize other extensions, Dallas could suddenly find an unexpected opportunity.
Hartenstein started his career as a guy who would barely play 10 minutes a game, but now he has cemented himself in the league as a solid big man.
He is currently averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds per game, and he is doing so on over 60 percent shooting. While his rise was not the most expected, he has become a guy that any NBA team would love to have in the middle.
And Dallas could be one of those teams.
It’s not a simple move, and it’s far from guaranteed. But if Hartenstein becomes available, the Mavericks could be wise to explore whether this is the upgrade that finally stabilizes the center position—and future-proofs the roster at the same time.