The Oklahoma City Thunder addressed a long-standing need for size in the frontcourt this summer by signing 7-foot center Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal. Hartenstein, 26, has brought much-needed rebounding and rim protection to a team that struggled in those areas last season. Fans and analysts widely viewed him as an ideal fit for the Thunder’s system, and the addition has been met with excitement and high expectations.
However, reports suggest that the Thunder’s front office, led by Sam Presti, considered additional options during free agency to shore up the center position. While Hartenstein ultimately signed with OKC, the team’s interest in exploring multiple candidates speaks to their commitment to solidifying their rotation and ensuring long-term success in the frontcourt.
The decision to target Hartenstein, who offers versatility, defensive reliability, and underrated passing ability, aligns with the Thunder’s player development philosophy and their need to complement their young core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren.
With Hartenstein now anchoring the middle, Oklahoma City has addressed its most glaring weakness, potentially elevating the team’s ceiling as a playoff contender. How he meshes with the Thunder’s fast-paced, positionless style will be a key storyline to watch throughout the 2024-25 season.
Recent report reveals Thunder had eyes on Kevon Looney trade
According to NBA Insider Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Oklahoma City Thunder were among three teams—alongside the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies—that explored trading for Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney during the 2024 offseason. While the Thunder ultimately pivoted to signing Isaiah Hartenstein, the interest in Looney underscores their determination to address their frontcourt needs.
A seasoned veteran and three-time NBA champion, Looney has been a consistent contributor for Golden State, renowned for his rebounding, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ. His experience as a starter during the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals victory highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable asset for any contender. Though Looney’s championship pedigree and skill set would have benefited OKC, the Thunder likely opted for Hartenstein due to factors like age, contract flexibility, and a better fit for their system. At 26 years old, Hartenstein aligns more closely with the Thunder’s young core, while Looney, a 10-year veteran, might have been viewed as a short-term solution.
Additionally, acquiring Looney would have required negotiating a trade package with Golden State, a potentially costly endeavor in terms of assets. Signing Hartenstein outright allowed the Thunder to preserve their draft capital and maintain flexibility
.While the Thunder missed out on Looney, the decision to pursue him reflects the front office’s commitment to exploring all avenues for improvement. With Isaiah Hartenstein now anchoring the frontcourt, OKC appears well-positioned to compete in the 2024-25 season, but Looney’s name may resurface in trade discussions if the Thunder feel they need additional veteran leadership and experience down the stretch.
Looney vs. Hartenstein: Why the Thunder Made the Right Call
Kevon Looney’s skill set—anchored by his defensive presence, rebounding, and screen-setting—makes him an appealing addition to any team. However, while Looney’s traditional center skills could have addressed some of the Thunder’s frontcourt needs, Isaiah Hartenstein brings a broader, more versatile skill set that better fits Oklahoma City’s system and trajectory.
Looney’s Case
Looney thrives as a dependable, physical presence in the paint. His defensive rating of 109 and remarkable 24.4 rebounds per 100 possessions are testaments to his value in protecting the interior and controlling the boards. Despite these strengths, his limitations are notable. Lacking range on offense and the speed to thrive in transition-heavy systems, Looney’s role is restricted to being a half-court anchor.
For a Thunder team that values pace, spacing, and versatility, these constraints would have made him a situational contributor rather than a cornerstone.
Hartenstein’s Edge
Isaiah Hartenstein offers everything Looney does, with added dimensions that align more closely with OKC’s modern, fast-paced identity. At 7 feet, Hartenstein provides greater size and shot-blocking ability (2.4 blocks per 100 possessions). His passing acumen, reflected in 5.8 assists per 100 possessions, adds a playmaking element from the center position that enhances offensive flow and complements the Thunder’s dynamic backcourt.
Hartenstein’s age (26) and athleticism also make him a better long-term fit for the Thunder’s young and developing core, allowing him to grow alongside players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren.
The Right Decision for Now and the Future
While the idea of adding Looney was intriguing, the Thunder’s choice to prioritize Hartenstein has proven to be the superior path. His ability to stretch the floor through passing, protect the rim, and adapt to a faster style of play offers OKC a modern center who complements their vision for the future.
In hindsight, the Thunder’s decision to target Hartenstein over pursuing Looney in a trade exemplifies their commitment to building a sustainable and versatile roster. It’s not just about filling gaps but doing so with players who elevate the team’s potential—and Hartenstein has done just that.
