The New York Knicks made a significant move on Tuesday by acquiring forward Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade. Despite this, their pursuit of OG Anunoby, who re-signed with the team on Wednesday, remained unaffected. However, the trade could impact their ability to retain center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Immediately following the trade, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that “the Knicks’ ability to re-sign center Isaiah Hartenstein has become more challenging. The team is now focusing on bolstering its wing depth to match up against the NBA champion Boston Celtics.”
The Knicks face limitations in what they can offer Hartenstein. Their maximum offer to him stands at four years and $72.5 million. After an impressive season with the Knicks, Hartenstein is expected to command a higher salary in free agency. With center Mitchell Robinson set to earn approximately $13.6 million annually over the next two seasons, it may not be financially prudent for the Knicks to commit substantial funds to two centers, especially considering their luxury tax implications.
Navigating around the hard cap is another challenge for the Knicks, who traded their 25th overall pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for five second-round picks. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks have considered trading Miles McBride, their 23-year-old guard on a team-friendly contract of $13 million over the next three seasons.
“The team discussed the possibility of including Miles McBride in the Bridges trade, per league sources—not because they are eager to trade away the 23-year-old guard, but due to financial considerations. McBride’s salary plus Bogdanovic’s would have barely exceeded Bridges’. However, the Knicks have since backed away from this scenario, opting to avoid the hard cap, according to a league source.”
