Former New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein shared his thoughts on the team’s blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Speaking to NBA Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Hartenstein commended Knicks President Leon Rose for the move, which brought Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
“I think it was the perfect trade-off,” Hartenstein remarked. “Leon did a great job of getting another All-Star, especially after I left. Towns has been great for them.” He added that while he is now focused on contributing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he recognizes the impact of the trade on his former team.
The Knicks have thrived since the deal, currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 22-10 record. Towns has been a dominant force, averaging 24.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 34.2 minutes per game, bolstering New York’s aspirations for a deep playoff run.
Hartenstein, who joined the Thunder in the offseason, also reflected on his experience playing alongside elite guards like Jalen Brunson in New York and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City. He highlighted the similarities in their team-first mentality while noting differences in their offensive styles.
“With Brunson, it was more about working on a two-man game and creating opportunities for each other,” Hartenstein explained. “With Shai, sometimes you just let him go to work because of his offensive skill set.”
Hartenstein is enjoying a career year with the Thunder, averaging 12.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 30.3 minutes per game. His contributions have helped Oklahoma City surge to the top of the Western Conference standings with a 26-5 record, giving them a five-game cushion over the Memphis Grizzlies.
