Hawks Nation

The Hawks could emerge as a serious suitor for Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason.

According to reports, Atlanta has interest in acquiring the veteran center if Oklahoma City does not exercise his $28.5 million team option for next season. If the option is declined, Hartenstein would become an unrestricted free agent and one of the more intriguing big men available on the market.

The 28-year-old played an important role for the Thunder, providing interior defense, rebounding, screening, and playmaking from the center position. His versatility and physical presence have made him a valuable piece for a team competing at the top of the Western Conference.

Despite the team option, league wide expectations suggest Oklahoma City and Hartenstein could instead pursue a new long term contract that keeps him with the franchise beyond next season.

That possibility remains the most likely outcome, but Atlanta appears ready if negotiations take a different turn.

The Hawks have been searching for ways to strengthen their frontcourt and add more size around their core. Hartenstein's skill set would address several needs while giving Atlanta a proven starting caliber center entering his prime.

For now, the Thunder control the situation. But if Hartenstein reaches free agency, the Hawks are expected to be among the teams paying close attention.

The Hawks may already have their starting center in Onyeka Okongwu.

But every contender needs more than one big man.

As Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported:

"Multiple avenues to add frontcourt depth will present themselves to the Hawks this offseason outside of this eighth pick and Mara, as sources say they plan on making a run at Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein should he have his team option declined and enter unrestricted free agency."
It's easy to see the appeal.

Hartenstein brings toughness. He brings unselfishness. He does the little things that help winning teams win. And after being part of a championship run in Oklahoma City, he'd give Atlanta a proven veteran presence behind Okongwu in the frontcourt.

The question isn't the fit.

The question is the price.

Hartenstein is coming off a $28 million contract, and that's where the conversation gets interesting. If he reaches free agency, Atlanta could have competition for one of the most reliable big men on the market.

Still, if the Hawks are serious about building a deeper playoff roster, Hartenstein feels like exactly the type of player they'd want in the room.

Jalen Johnson remains incredibly confident about his team's long term trajectory after reflecting on their ability to match up with the conference's elite.

While he isn't content with just a moral victory, the rising playmaker firmly believes his squad possesses all the necessary pieces to orchestrate a deep postseason run down the road.

Every generation needs a New York Knicks villain.

For the last few years, that title has belonged to Trae Young. 😭

The 2021 playoff run turned him into Public Enemy No. 1 in New York, and Knicks fans still haven’t forgotten.

Now Wemby is starting to hear the boos too.

But even he knows there’s still a long way to go before reaching Trae’s level of MSG villain status. 😂👀

Gauging the market for a massive, championship-proven frontcourt upgrade. 🦅👀

According to , the Hawks are planning to make an aggressive run at Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein if Oklahoma City declines his upcoming team option.

Solidifying the foundation and building for the future in ATL. 🦅📋

Head coach Quin Snyder and the Hawks have officially agreed to a multiyear contract extension. Ownership is completely all-in on Snyder’s vision and developmental blueprint for this roster.

The Hawks have already turned the page on the Trae Young era, and now it’s all about finding the right pieces to help this new core take the next step.

Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White all make a lot of sense for Atlanta.

Each brings something the Hawks could use more of: scoring, shot creation, and someone who can go get a bucket when the offense needs a spark.

With Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Jonathan Kuminga leading the way, adding one of these guards could make the roster even more complete.

Sexton’s energy, Simons’ shooting, or White’s all-around game?

Any of them could help fill a big need and give the Hawks another weapon as they keep building toward something bigger.

Give this Hawks team some more time, and they're going to be legit 💯

Hawks fans should get ready for a scary defensive clinic next season because Dyson Daniels is fully locked in to clamp up the league's best guards night in and night out.

While the Hawks have been expected to be a playoff team for the last few seasons, it is clear that they need reinforcements for them to have a deep postseason run.

Jaylen Brown, who has been linked to previous TRADE rumors, can provide Atlanta with some much-needed offensive firepower to compete in the East.

Here's what the Hawks can offer to acquire the 5x NBA All-Star: Story in comments 🔗👇