Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, prioritizing financial security and the opportunity to compete for a championship over staying with the New York Knicks. Hartenstein, who recently became a father, noted that the Thunder's offer, which includes $58.5 million guaranteed in the first two years, was too compelling to turn down despite his affection for New York. The Knicks' best offer was a four-year, $72.5 million deal, limited by salary cap constraints. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks front office made significant efforts to retain Hartenstein, but the financial and competitive prospects offered by the Thunder ultimately swayed his decision.