Elsa/Getty Images
As free agency neared, there was a resounding belief within the Knicks and around the league that Isaiah Hartenstein would leave for a better offer than the maximum New York could pay him, which would’ve been a four-year, $72 million deal. Instead, Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder.
How will the Knicks replace Hartenstein, who became their starting center, looking ahead?
New York’s Mitchell Robinson could return to the starting lineup alongside Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson. Or, the Knicks could play small ball with Randle at center, Anunoby and Bridges as forwards, one of Josh Hart or Donte DiVincenzo at shooting guard, and Brunson at point guard in another starting lineup combination.
In addition, let’s take a look at a potential option who could return and some outside candidates.
Knicks center Precious Achiuwa, who New York declined to tender a qualifying offer, has received interest from “several contending teams” on the open market, per SNY’s Ian Begley. Achiuwa, who played high school basketball for Our Savior Lutheran in the Bronx, New York, and St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, likes the Knicks and is open to returning, league sources told HoopsHype.
The Knicks have also made inquiries on the trade market, showing interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler, league sources told HoopsHype, along with Hornets center Nick Richards, as previously reported by HoopsHype.
After starting 40 of 74 games as a rookie, Kessler started 22 of 64 games in his second season and didn’t take as big of a leap as some in Utah had hoped. However, when he played, his efficiency was notable as he averaged 12.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes.
There’s a belief from rival executives that Utah would listen to trade calls for Kessler, whereas last year, the sense was he was not for sale.
Richards is coming off his best season as a pro and has two years and $10 million remaining on his contract. He averaged 9.7 points, grabbed 8.0 rebounds, and blocked 1.1 shots per game in 26.3 minutes while starting 51 of 67 games.
Other previously reported center targets, including Goga Bitadze, Jonas Valanciunas, and Andre Drummond, agreed to deals elsewhere.