The Oklahoma City Thunder are keeping Isaiah Hartenstein in the fold, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that he plans to sign a new three-year contract that will keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season.
The deal is expected to raise his total earnings with the franchise to a guaranteed $134 million five-year contract, triggering mixed reactions from around the NBA fanbase.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s New $134M Thunder Contract Sparks Strong NBA Reactions
Hartenstein was a big addition ahead of the Thunder’s 2025 championship run and has officially secured his long-term future in Oklahoma City. As Charania reported, Hartenstein and his representatives, Andrew Morrison and Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, reached an agreement with the Thunder on a three-year, $75 million extension in new money.
The contract also includes a maximum 15% trade kicker and a mutual option allowing both parties to restructure the deal in 2028.
With Hartenstein’s deal in place, Oklahoma City now has its championship core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Hartenstein all under contract for at least the next three seasons.
The Thunder are carrying one of the NBA’s most expensive rosters, but continue to prioritize keeping their championship nucleus intact. The last few days have been eventful for the franchise, as GM Sam Presti drafted first-rounders Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz on Tuesday.
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However, there is still unfinished business with team options on Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams, while Hartenstein’s contract numbers sparked plenty of debate in the NBA world.
“How can they keep getting away with this? 😭 Sam Presti has to retire,” Bakers’ Report tweeted.
How can they keep getting away with this? 😭 Sam presti has to retire
— Bakers Report (@BakersReporxtz) June 27, 2026
“Huh??? Why draft Mara then???? Someone educate me,” one posted.
“Basically confirmed Lu Dort is gone,” another user wrote.
Injuries limited Hartenstein to just 47 regular-season games last season, but he was productive whenever available, averaging 9.2 points and 3.5 assists while shooting an efficient 62.2% from the field.
Many Thunder supporters welcomed the news with excitement.
“Isaiah Hartenstein staying in OKC. Fantastic news for Thunder fans. Key player in OKC’s championship run stays for at least 3 more years. Thunder big man room is loaded,” The “Daily Thunder” reporter Brandon Rahbar wrote.
Isaiah Hartenstein staying in OKC.
Fantastic news for Thunder fans.
Key player in OKC’s championship run stays for at least 3 more years.
Thunder big man room is loaded. https://t.co/BdwDGeJor4
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 27, 2026
“People really thought he was gone lmao. LOVE TO SEE IT,” a Thunder fan and NBA content creator remarked.
Since arriving in Oklahoma City during the summer of 2024, Hartenstein has established himself as arguably the Thunder’s fourth-most important player.
The new deal doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will spend the entire contract with the franchise, but gives Oklahoma City control of a valuable asset for years to come.
Hartenstein has averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game across his first two seasons with the Thunder, including 11.2 points per contest during their title-winning season.
