NBA

Josh Hart cheekily jabs Isaiah Hartenstein over Knicks exit: ‘Dead to me’

Josh Hart offered a tongue-in-cheek response to Isaiah Hartenstein’s impending Knicks departure.

Shortly after news broke Monday that Hartenstein agreed to terms on a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder as NBA free agency begins, the Knicks forward jabbed his future ex-teammate in an X post.

“You are dead to me Zay. I never liked you anyways. But congrats on the bag!” Hart wrote.

Josh Hart (3) and Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the Knicks’ 2024 NBA playoff run. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Isaiah Hartenstein bolted from the Knicks for Oklahoma City. NBAE via Getty Images

Hartenstein initially joined the Knicks in 2022 and was an integral part of the team’s run to the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season.

Although the Knicks wanted to retain the beloved center, the team could only offer four years and $72.5 million.

Oklahoma City, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference in 2023-24, offered Hartenstein a contract averaging $29 million per season.

The Thunder and the 29 other teams can sign free agents officially on July 6.

Josh Hart responded to Isaiah Hartenstein’s impending Knicks departure on social media. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Isaiah Hartenstein originally joined the Knicks in 2022. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported Monday that the final year of Hartenstein’s deal is not guaranteed.

The 7-foot Hartenstein gives the Thunder a boost at size as Oklahoma City continues to build off an impressive 57-25 campaign.


Follow all the latest updates on NBA free agency, including signings, trades and rumors.


Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points for the Knicks in 2023-24, along with 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Hart wasn’t the only Knick who reacted to Hartenstein’s free agency moves on social media.

“Another black man paid, love to see it!!” Knicks guard Miles McBride posted on X.

Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract averages $29 million per year. Getty Images

Elsewhere, Knicks fans offered mixed messages, with one noting, “Unfortunate but expected. Ok now go get a replacement,” while another remarked, “Wishing him all the best for him and his family.. Once a knick always a knick.”

A second-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Hartenstein made his NBA debut with the Rockets.

He then spent time in Denver, Cleveland and Los Angeles with the Clippers, before making his way to New York ahead of the 2022-23 season.

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