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Booked Isaiahs: Thunder to sign Hartenstein, bring back Joe

Mon Jul 1 10:58am ET
Field Level Media

Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, The Athletic and ESPN reported on Monday.

The Thunder also re-signed Isaiah Joe to a four-year, $48 million contract on Monday, according to The Athletic.

Hartenstein, 26, emerged as a prominent piece of the New York Knicks' postseason run but the franchise prioritized other moves to start the offseason, including a trade for Mikal Bridges and re-signing forward OG Anunoby.

A journeyman to start his NBA career, Hartenstein is set to join his sixth team since entering the league as a second-round pick of the Rockets in 2017.


He was a reserve for the Knicks before Mitchell Robinson was lost to an ankle injury. He started 49 of his 75 games and averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds last season.

But New York could only offer a maximum contract of $72.5 million for four years.

Joe, who turns 25 on Tuesday, is a deadly 3-point shooter, connecting on better than 41 percent of his treys last season. He averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 78 games (one start) for OKC in 2023-24.

The Thunder acquired Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls prior to the NBA draft last month. Oklahoma City claimed the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last season and features 7-footer Chet Holmgren to pair with the 7-1 Hartenstein.

Player Notes
Damian Lillard Sun Nov 3 1:30am

Bucks' G Damian Lillard scored 41 points on 13-of-24 shooting in a 113-114 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Domantas Sabonis Sun Nov 3 1:30am

Sacramento's F Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and 20 rebounds in a 128-131 loss to Toronto on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Joel Embiid Sun Nov 3 12:30am

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has yet to play this season. As a result, tensions have been high in recent interactions between the media and some members of the team. However, it reached a boiling point on Saturday after the Sixers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that Embiid got into an "altercation" with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The 2023 MVP confronted Hayes, reportedly taking issue with a recent column that made mention of Embiid's deceased brother while also referencing his son. As expected, it didn't sit well with Embiid, resulting a verbal confrontation followed by the multi-time All-Star allegedly "shoving" Hayes before both were eventually separated. The league has already launched an investigation, although it's unknown if Embiid will be punished for the incident.

Wendell Carter Jr. Sat Nov 2 11:50pm

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Carter is dealing with a knee issue, keeping him off the floor for Friday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Goga Bitadze (foot) also sidelined for that one, Moritz Wagner got the start, finishing with 14 points, five boards, and two steals. If Carter and Bitadze remain out on Sunday, Wagner will be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.

Marcus Smart Sat Nov 2 11:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, an injury he sustained during the October 30 meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered "week-to-week." Smart is no stranger to injury, with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appearing in just 20 games in his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24. Of course, it's not an ideal scenario for the team, especially with Desmond Bane (oblique) also sidelined for the foreseeable future. But in the meantime, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to benefit from a production standpoint, so fantasy managers can consider each player for streaming purposes until Smart or Bane are back on the floor.

Desmond Bane Sat Nov 2 11:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane (oblique) was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. He is considered "week-to-week." The 26-year-old has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc this season. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Grizzlies, although it is magnified, considering Bane hasn't played more than 58 games in each of the last two seasons. With Marcus Smart (ankle) sidelined as well moving forward, the team will turn to Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama to fill the void, with the duo combining for 25 points and 18 rebounds in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Fantasy managers can look in their direction while Bane and Smart are on the shelf. The same can be said for Scotty Pippen Jr., who had 12 points and 13 assists off the bench on Saturday.

Bradley Beal Sat Nov 2 9:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Saturday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. He's missed the last two games because of a sprained right elbow. As a result, Ryan Dunn got the start, most recently scoring 16 points in Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Fantasy managers can get Beal back in the starting lineup. However, Dunn's upside is capped with his return to the bench.

Ben Simmons Sat Nov 2 9:00pm

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus Detroit. It's the first of back-to-back outings for Brooklyn, so if Simmons plays against the Pistons, he likely won't be out there on Monday against the Grizzlies. The 28-year-old started in all five of his appearances this season. But he hasn't been productive, averaging 6.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. With Nicolas Claxton returning to form after battling a hamstring injury to begin the year, Simmons will likely return to the bench. However, no matter his role, he hasn't been a reliable starting option for fantasy managers.

Isaiah Jackson Sat Nov 2 8:30pm

Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is done for the season after suffering an injury during Friday's game. Jackson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon which was a non-contact play during Friday's loss. Fellow big man James Wiseman (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury on Opening Night. The Pacers have now lost two big men what seems like only a handful of games. That leaves Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker as the primary big men behind Myles Turner. Toppin hasn't been great this season, but is worth looking at with the Pacers extremely shorthanded now. He's averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 20 minutes per game and his playing time is only going to increase now.

Anfernee Simons Sat Nov 2 8:20pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (arm) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Simons fell on his arm during Friday's loss, but it seems like it was a minor issue. Simons appears to be fine and should play his normal workload on Saturday. He put together his worst performance of the season on Friday, but has been solid outside of that. Fantasy managers should go ahead and get him back in their lineups for this one.

Andrew Wiggins Sat Nov 2 8:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is back in the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a lower back strain. His return will push Lindy Waters III to the bench, which will certainly hurt his streaming value. The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (ankle) so Wiggins should be asked to do more on offense. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Wiggins active in their lineups on Saturday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sat Nov 2 7:50pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play despite dealing with a knee issue. The Bucks continue to list him as probable, but Antetokounmpo has suited up every game this season. He has finished with a double-double every game with over 22 points in each of the first six games. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Antetokounmpo active in their lineups.

Jamal Murray Sat Nov 2 7:40pm

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This doesn't come as much of a shock after Murray was forced to exit early during Friday's game. He's currently in the league's concussion protocol, which could mean he misses a few games. The Nuggets haven't named the replacement for Murray, but Russell Westbrook figures to be the most likely candidate. Westbrook is a hit-or-miss type of fantasy players, but fantasy managers in need of help should look his way on Saturday.

Doug McDermott Sat Nov 2 7:40pm

Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran forward will get the starting nod with Kevin Huerter (illness) unable to play. Keon Ellis figured to get the start, but the Kings decided to go with McDermott. Normally, McDermott isn't a great fantasy option off the bench, but he could be more effective with extended run. He should be able to provide reliable shooting from beyond the arc.

Caris LeVert Sat Nov 2 6:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. LeVert is dealing with knee soreness. However, it's more likely he's getting a night off, considering he logged 22 minutes on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The 30-year-old has averaged 12.0 points and 4.3 assists this season. He's also shot an impressive 52.4% from behind the arc. With Max Strus (ankle) on the shelf, LeVert has been a vital piece of the Cavs rotation. But without him, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill could benefit the most versus Milwaukee.

Immanuel Quickley Sat Nov 2 6:30pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) won't play in Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The former Knick is moving in the right direction, although he continues to deal with the residual effects of the hard fall he took in the opener. Davion Mitchell, averaging 9.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in five starts this season, will continue to fill the void in the starting lineup. Mitchell should remain a viable fantasy streaming option for Saturday night. That may extend to Monday if Quickley isn't ready to get back on the floor.

Kevin Huerter Sat Nov 2 3:20pm

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (illness) won't play on Saturday in Toronto. The 26-year-old struggled in Friday's win over the Hawks, amassing 10 points and shooting 2-for-8 from behind the arc. He's under the weather, so his next chance to get back on the floor will be on Monday in Miami. But until then, Keon Ellis will likely slide into the starting lineup. Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 while shooting 40.4% from deep in 21 starts last season, giving him some upside for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.

Stephen Curry Sat Nov 2 2:50pm

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) remains out on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. However, the multi-time All-Star is moving in the right direction. He participated in Saturday's shootaround, and the Warriors report he will be re-evaluated on Sunday. Curry has been out of the equation since suffering a sprained ankle in a recent matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping him off the floor for Golden State's previous two contests. It looks like Curry could be back soon. But until he returns, Brandin Podziemski, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two appearances with the first five, is a must-start in all fantasy formats.

Lauri Markkanen Sat Nov 2 2:40pm

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago. Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.

Jaylen Brown Sat Nov 2 1:20pm

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The Celtics and Hornets met on Friday night, the first of back-to-back games between the clubs, with Brown finishing the night by scoring 25 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. He's bothered by a hip flexor strain, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll play on Monday in Atlanta. But without Brown in the mix on Saturday, Sam Hauser (back), who is probable, is expected to enter the starting lineup, giving him a more promising outlook in all fantasy setups.


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