American reporter: Hartenstein is expected to return to the Thunder next season.

According to a joint report by ESPN reporters Anthony Slater and Tim McMahon, Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder next season.

The 28-year-old Hartenstein is a 2.13-meter tall, 113-kilogram center who entered the NBA in 2017 as the 43rd overall pick in the second round. He previously played for the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New York Knicks, before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in July 2024 on a three-year, $87 million contract.

To date, Hartenstein has played 104 regular season games for the Thunder, averaging 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 26.2 minutes per game. He also led the team to two consecutive playoff appearances and played a crucial role in the Thunder's 2025 NBA championship run.

However, the Thunder failed to defend their title this season. Although they finished the regular season with the top seed in the Western Conference, they were eliminated 4-3 by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference finals.

Regardless of the final outcome, Hartenstein's defensive performance during the playoffs has been widely recognized. Given that he is one of the few big men in the league capable of limiting Victor Wahlbanama to some extent, it is widely expected that the Thunder will not easily let him go.

Hartenstein's current contract expires in 2027, with a team option worth $28.5 million for the 2026/27 season. It is unclear whether the Thunder will exercise the option or seek a contract extension, but he is eligible for a four-year extension this summer worth up to $179 million.

Image source: Internet