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Isaiah Hartenstein reveals how close he was to not signing with Knicks

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks grabs the loose ball during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks grabs the loose ball during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks’ first move in free agency last summer was agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract with Isaiah Hartenstein. He didn’t get off to the start that fans were hoping for, but he’s since turned a corner. With the Knicks being without Mitchell Robinson for a few weeks when he was out with a fractured thumb, Hartenstein and Jericho Sims worked to keep the team afloat down low.

There were rumors about Hartenstein possibly being traded ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, but Action Network’s Matt Moore reported that the big man’s play had changed the front office’s mind. Depending on what moves the Knicks make during the offseason, Hartenstein could be on the move then, but it’s still too soon to be able to tell.

It turns out that Hartenstein initially thought he wasn’t going to be on the move this past offseason. Hartenstein revealed to ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly in a recent interview that he was willing to take the mid-level exception with the Clippers.

"“Yeah, I mean, they gave the only thing they really could’ve offered me to John Wall. I was — I can’t take that big of a pay-cut. I think I was actually gonna come back, but I can’t take that big of a pay cut. So they picked John Wall over me and I got to live with that.”"

Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein says Clippers chose to sign John Wall over him

Instead of re-signing Isaiah Hartenstein, Los Angeles proceeded to sign John Wall to a two-year deal. Wall averaged 11.4 points and 5.2 assists in 34 games before the Clippers traded him back to the Rockets in a three-team deal ahead of the deadline. He then got a second buyout from Houston and hasn’t been signed by a new team.

In retrospect, Los Angeles would’ve been better off signing Hartenstein. In his lone season with the Clippers, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in 68 games. Tom Thibodeau has been criticized for using Hartenstein as a prototypical center instead of playing to his strengths on the offensive end, which is something that LA did. That’s why he averaged 2.4 assists. He’s averaging less than a full assist in New York this season.

Does Hartenstein regret leaving the Clippers, though? It doesn’t seem like it. He told Azarly that it’s been “amazing” to get to call MSG home. He did say that it’s taken some time to adjust to his new role with the Knicks, but that he’s continued to do what it takes to help the team win.

Although Knicks fans haven’t been fond of the way that Isaiah Hartenstein has played at times during the season, one thing that they can appreciate is his attitude. Hopefully, he’ll continue to make a positive impact as New York makes its way toward the playoffs.

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