As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Knicks have several players on their roster that could be dealt. Cam Reddish, Derrick Rose, and even Obi Toppin are names that come to mind, but a large part of the fan base wouldn’t mind seeing Isaiah Hartenstein go. The Knicks signed Hartenstein in free agency and while it was initially viewed as a good move, his time in New York hasn’t gone as hoped thus far.
The Knicks were dealt a tough hand last week when Mitchell Robinson underwent surgery on his fractured right thumb. He’ll be out for three weeks at the least as that’s when he’ll be re-evaluated. New York has been relying on Hartenstein and Jericho Sims since Robinson was injured, but there’s a chance that the Knicks could make a move ahead of the deadline to bolster their depth in Robinson’s absence. Serge Ibaka will be a player to monitor.
However, if the latest rumor involving one of New York’s big men is true, it’s a move that the Knicks should consider making.
Clippers are reportedly interested in former player and current Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein
Here’s what The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote about the Clippers’ reported interest in Isaiah Hartenstein:
"According to executives around the league, the Clippers are also interested in their former backup center Isaiah Hartenstein, who is now with the Knicks.L.A. tried to re-sign Hartenstein last summer, but he went to New York for more money and because he felt he was wanted there. But unfortunately, not all free agent decisions pan out the way you originally envisioned them."
Hartenstein spent the 2021-22 season in LA, where he averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in an average of 17.9 minutes in 68 games. With the Knicks, he’s averaging 4.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and only 0.7 assists in an average of 18.4 minutes. As O’Connor said, “The Knicks have blatantly misused Hartenstein as a rim roller more than a playmaker, his previous role with the Clippers.”
In retrospect, Hartenstein would’ve been better off re-signing with the Clippers. Tom Thibodeau doesn’t utilize his offensive skill set the way that he should, as the coach prefers traditional rim-protecting centers. Hartenstein struggles to match up with big men on the defensive end, which has led fans to want to see more of Sims.
With Robinson likely not returning until after the deadline, it’d be hard to envision New York parting with Hartenstein unless a player like Ibaka is brought in. Depending on what Los Angeles would be willing to give up, the Knicks might be willing to allow Hartenstein to have a reunion with the Clippers.
Although Hartenstein chose to sign with New York back in July, it’d be interesting to know if he’d have made that same decision knowing what he does now.
3 ways Knicks can address major trade deadline needs
There are less than three weeks remaining until the trade deadline, and here are three ways the Knicks can address their major needs.