Hartenstein on the NBA CBA: “It punishes teams that do things right”
A $5.4 million discount on his contract wasn’t enough to avoid a major sacrifice. After Lu Dort’s departure, Hartenstein criticizes the second apron
Staying with a team considered a title contender and remaining part of a strong group, even at the cost of turning down a richer contract.
That’s the choice made by Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed a three-year, $75 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, accepting a roughly $5.4 million discount on next season’s salary to help the franchise remain below the dreaded salary second apron ($216.4 million in total payroll).
Speaking to Basketball World, the 28-year-old center openly explained the reasons that led him to meet the front office’s needs:
I really wanted to stay with this team long term and continue competing for a championship. I was aware of my market value, which was higher than what was agreed upon. But because of the second apron and the structure of the roster, I had to accept a slightly lower salary. It’s still a lot of money, but it was a necessary sacrifice for the good of the team
Isaiah Hartenstein
The price of the extension: Lu Dort’s departure
Hartenstein’s return, an invaluable partner for Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt thanks to his 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, came at a steep price. To make the numbers work, the Oklahoma City Thunder had to sacrifice a defensive cornerstone like Lu Dort, sending him out in a trade.
Hartenstein himself had no hesitation in criticizing the move, pointing the finger at the restrictions imposed by the current collective bargaining agreement:
It’s always tough for us. These rules were introduced back then because of Kevin Durant’s decision to go to the Warriors, to prevent teams from stockpiling too many top players. But today they aren’t working as intended. We’re a franchise that developed and grew players from the ground up, only to see them leave because of the second apron. It’s a shame, because the issue isn’t ownership’s willingness to pay, but the severe operational restrictions on trades that end up frustrating us as players too
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein’s comments highlight the paradox facing many modern NBA franchises: building a winning model through the Draft and internal player development can become unsustainable when the time comes to re-sign their own talent. The Thunder can at least take comfort in having locked up their frontcourt rotation, hoping the sacrifices made this summer will be enough to keep them among the league’s elite.