Isaiah Hartenstein is the Thunder’s biggest offseason mystery. Do they let him walk in order to reduce their enormous luxury tax bill and hope that Thomas Sorber is ready? Or do they come to terms on a long-term deal and keep the big man in Oklahoma City for the foreseeable future? Sam Presti needs to have a general idea of the direction he wants to pursue before the NBA Draft on June 25, as it could change the franchise’s draft strategy. 

Oklahoma City signed Hartenstein during the 2024 offseason to a three-year, $87 million contract. Although it was commonly viewed as an overpay by the general public, Thunder fans knew the importance of the deal given the team’s center woes over the previous few seasons. Hartenstein immediately added bulk, rebounding, rim protection and passing out of dribble handoffs. He filled key weaknesses from the 2024 squad and ultimately helped Oklahoma City win the 2025 championship. 

Hartenstein was once again a crucial piece of the 2026 squad, especially in the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio. He did an excellent job of defending Victor Wembanyama and weaponized his push-shot on offense. The Spurs are a perennial postseason threat, so locking down Hartenstein is a must. He’s also a great chess piece to throw at other contenders like Denver and Minnesota. 

Overall, the veteran’s combination of rebounding, defense and passing is rare to find. He has also embraced Oklahoma City through charitable acts, community service and public appearances. His character is the epitome of what the Thunder value in their players. 

Hartenstein has one more year on his current deal, and it’s a $28.5 million team option for next season. Oklahoma City has four possible options in terms of what it can do with his contract. 

First, the Thunder can decline Hartenstein’s team option and let him walk as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Many teams would pursue him, including the Bulls and Lakers. This option saves Oklahoma City a large chunk of change but leaves its center rotation vulnerable. 

Second, the Thunder can accept Hartenstein’s team option and use his services for one more season before letting him become an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 offseason. This option lets them benefit from Hartenstein’s impact during their championship push next season without committing to him long term. It also gives Presti more flexibility to reevaluate the team’s financial situation in the 2027 offseason, which is when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s supermax extension begins. However, it may lead to a disgruntled Hartenstein and could cause him to depart in free agency even if the Thunder want him back. 

Third, the Thunder can decline Hartenstein’s team option and subsequently sign him to a long-term contract. Since the veteran has been with the franchise for the past two seasons, Oklahoma City owns Early Bird Rights for Hartenstein. This means it’s eligible to sign him to a 2-to-4 year contract for up to 175% of his previous salary despite being over the salary cap. Hartenstein’s 2027 salary cannot exceed $49.8 million legally because of the 175% rule, although this will not be an issue. 

What would a fair deal look like? Hartenstein’s $28.5 million option next season is 17.2% of the salary cap. Here’s what the three centers directly above and below him will earn next season:

Based on these figures, somewhere around 17-18% of the salary cap seems to be a fair figure for both sides. This would be in the ballpark of a three-year, $90 million contract, but perhaps Hartenstein gives Oklahoma City a slight discount and signs a three-year, $80 million deal. The deadline for Hartenstein’s team option is June 29, and free agency does not officially begin until July 6. Therefore, Oklahoma City needs to make a handshake agreement with Hartenstein and his agent before declining the option. 

Finally, the Thunder can accept Hartenstein’s $28.5 million team option and then extend his contract. Tacking on another two years and $55-60 million is a realistic deal. He becomes eligible for an extension on July 6, so Oklahoma City would need to accept his option by June 29 before having all offseason to iron out the extension details. It should be a quick, straightforward process, though.