NBA Rumors: Knicks zero in on Hawks center in search for final big man for 2024-25 season
The Knicks had an excellent offseason with their move to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and signing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million extension.
Following the departure of big man Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder, rumors have circulated about the front office's search for a replacement. SNY's Ian Begley reported that they had conversations with Hawks' Clint Capela.
Hartenstein was a crucial piece to the team's success last season with how he anchored their rim protection. His availability was also valuable to the team, especially considering Mitchell Robinson's history with injuries.
The latest rumor involving Capela was shared by user Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Capela has also been a stable presence for the Atlanta Hawks as a lob-threat option for Trae Young and as a defensive presence down low. He was originally acquired back in 2020 from the Houston Rockets. The big man has already played four seasons in Atlanta.
Former Knicks center talked about Jalen Brunson and his past teammates trying their hand at convincing him to stay in New York
During an interview with The New York Post's Stefan Bond, Isaiah Hartenstein revealed that Jalen Brunson and his former Knicks teammates tried to convince him to change his mind about leaving.
"They said whatever we can give you, we're going to give you," Hartenstein said. "I talked to Jalen a couple of times, Jalen and the guys. They really wanted me back and I really appreciate that. But it was definitely a hard decision. I couldn't say no to an opportunity like this."
Hartenstein signed a two-year, $16 million deal to play in New York on July 12, 2022. Despite playing his first two seasons in the league with the Houston Rockets and becoming a traveling player across other teams, he finally made a strong mark for himself with the Knicks.
In the two seasons he played for the Garden crowd, Hartenstein put up 6.3 points (59.2% shooting) and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Now playing for the OKC Thunder, the former Knicks big man is envisioned to be a crucial piece in the team's hopes for a deep postseason run. After an excellent regular season to finish as the first seed in the Western Conference, their size at the rim was exposed in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks.
They had no answer for Dallas' lob opportunities, hence the move to acquire Hartenstein. Last season, OKC ranked fourth defensively in the league due to their impressive perimeter defense, given the length of their players.
In the upcoming season, the former Knicks center is expected to further strengthen the team's defensive identity.