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Thunder Ink Hartenstein, Trade Wiggins, Cap Over Apron

6/27/2026

Summary

Thunder Sign Hartenstein

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a $75 million contract.
The Thunder traded Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe for picks, shedding over $20 million.
After the Hartenstein deal, the team sits over $15 million above the second luxury-apron, staying over $13 million above the apron even if it declines Lu Dort’s $17.7 million and Kenrich Williams’s $7.2 million options.
The Thunder drafted 7-foot-3 Aday Mara, making Thomas Sorber (No. 15) and Nikola Topic (No. 16) expendable.

Summary

Hartenstein Wins

Isaiah Hartenstein helped Oklahoma City win its first NBA title in 2025 as the starting interior anchor.
He posted 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in his first two seasons and limited Victor Wembanyama in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
He, who played for Rockets, Nuggets, Cavaliers, Clippers and Knicks, is noted for community work that raises the franchise’s local profile.

History

Historical Context

The NBA launched its first luxury-tax system in 1997, penalizing teams whose payroll exceeds a threshold above the salary cap. The Knicks paid $5.3 million that season after going $2 million over the limit, and the 2025-26 cap of $154.647 million now triggers a $15 million apron breach for the Thunder’s $75 million Hartenstein deal. Changes after the 2011 CBA keep teams reshaping contracts to avoid higher taxes.

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Thunder Sign Hartenstein

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a $75 million contract.
The Thunder traded Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe for picks, shedding over $20 million.
After the Hartenstein deal, the team sits over $15 million above the second luxury-apron, staying over $13 million above the apron even if it declines Lu Dort’s $17.7 million and Kenrich Williams’s $7.2 million options.
The Thunder drafted 7-foot-3 Aday Mara, making Thomas Sorber (No. 15) and Nikola Topic (No. 16) expendable.

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