Orlando Has Emerged as Leading Suitor for Unrestricted Free Agent Center Isaiah Hartenstein

As stated by NBA Correspondent Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic have emerged as a leading suitor for Unrestricted Free Agent Isaiah Hartenstein.

Hartenstein is set to enter Unrestricted Free Agency after a career year in with the Clippers. In 68 games this season, Hartenstein averaged a career-high 17.9 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.1 BPG. In addition to this, Hartenstein shot 62.6% from the field, 46.7% from three-point range, and 68.9% from the free-throw line. At 7’0″ and 250 pounds, Hartenstein was a fantastic backup center to Ivica Zubac, and was a big reason why Los Angeles finished with a 42-40 record in spite of superstars Kawhi Leonard (82 Games) and Paul George (51 Games) missing extended amounts of time to injuries.

In spite of this, Los Angeles seems to be moving in a different direction regarding its roster. Within the last week, Los Angeles has agreed to sign Veteran Guard John Wall after he was bought out by Houston. Furthermore, the Clippers have already signed Zubac (three years, $33 Million) and Robert Covington (two years, $24 Million) to contract extensions, as they continue their championship aspirations. At 23 years old, Hartenstein doesn’t exactly fit Los Angeles’ current timeline, which is shown by his diminishing role with the Clippers.

As an unrestricted free agent, Hartenstein will have the option to sign with any team, and will certainly have interest around the NBA. In addition to Orlando, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles (LAL), Chicago, Houston, Miami, Milwaukee, and Minnesota are all possible destinations for Hartenstein. Hartenstein won’t demand a high price tag either, as he’s expected to take the full $10.3 Million Mid-Level Exception or a multi-year deal worth ~$9-11 Million annually.

With the shocking news of Orlando deciding to not extend the $10.1 Million Qualifying Offer to Mo Bamba, Orlando should hold plenty of interest in signing Hartenstein, as Bamba is now set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent. Orlando will certainly be in the market for another big man, as Veteran Robin Lopez is also set to enter Unrestricted Free Agency.