There are a lot of NBA insiders for many teams, and it is easy to spot various trades, moves and different signings in just a snap. However, when it comes to Oklahoma City, even the likes of Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania are having a tough time to deliver the breaking news, and the Thunder has made moves even before the two insiders announced it.

Oklahoma City has brought in New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein on a three-year deal, while guards Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were extended to a new deal that would see them stay for more years with the Thunder but on a cheaper budget which allows the team to be flexible in its moves heading into the rest of the offseason.

The Thunder have had $35 million in its salary cap to use in the free agency market, and it does seem that the team have done a great job to make the necessary moves – all without losing a 1st round pick. That just shows you how much of a genius Thunder GM Sam Presti really is when it comes to building his roster for the coming season.

Hartenstein Brings Flexibility for the Thunder’s Rotation

After a promising playoff campaign with the New York Knicks, Hartenstein brings his talents to Oklahoma City with a three-year, $87 million deal. The German-American big man earned starting minutes after Mitchell Robinson was lost due to ankle injuries in the playoffs. In 75 games last season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Hartenstein addresses Oklahoma City’s issues on the boards, where they were ranked 27th in rebounds per game and 28th in rebound percentage. Despite those issues, the Thunder have finished with the best record in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record, eventually losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. With Hartenstein added, OKC hopes to finally remove the weakness of rebounding in their game.

At the age of 26, Hartenstein seems to be one of the best bigs in the game. He can go off as a playmaker, rebound the ball, and defend well with his length. Let’s not forget that Hartenstein also shot 64% from the field, including 33.3% from three, which makes him a perfect fit for Oklahoma City’s system.

Joe and Wiggins Return as Role Players for OKC

Fans were definitely pleased with the Hartenstein signing (although some others claim that he was overpaid). However, what thrilled Thunder fans most was the renewals of both Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who were impressive role players for the Thunder in the crucial 2023-24 run.

At the age of 25, Wiggins averaged 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the previous season while shooting 56.2% from the field and 49.2% from three. The guard was a spark plug off the bench and has blended well with his two-way performances with the team. The Thunder declined his $2 million player option and has agreed to a long-term deal for five years, worth $47 million.

On the other hand, Isaiah Joe, averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 45.8% shooting from the field, including 41.6% from three. OKC has offered him instead a four-year, $48 million deal that will see him embrace a promising shooter role for the team moving forward.