Sam Presti and the front office of the Oklahoma City Thunder typically handle their business in stealth mode, but they have surfaced in some level of trade conversations heading into the February 5th NBA trade deadline with the possibility of targeting a center.
“Here’s an interesting name: Isaiah Hartenstein,” said Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “He’s got a team option next year for $29 million. I’ve actually heard the Oklahoma City Thunder’s name in some trade chatter.”
The Thunder are the defending champions and have the best record in the NBA, which makes it surprising for them to be involved in trade conversations. But the Thunder have a critical decision to make on Hartenstein this coming offseason with their team option on Hartenstein after signing him to a three-year, $87 million deal in the 2024 offseason. The Thunder have an increasing payroll as the extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren begin as they become dramatically more expensive.
“Why would the Oklahoma City Thunder’s name be out there? And why would the Oklahoma City Thunder’s name be out there potentially looking at centers?” added Windhorst.
The Thunder selected center Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft with an eye long-term at the position as he would be more affordable on his rookie contract than Hartenstein. Sorber suffered a torn ACL in September and is out for the entire season.