As a part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, the Grizzlies acquired a $28.8 million trade exception, the largest in NBA history. Obviously, there are plenty of exciting ways to use it, and a name such as Isaiah Hartenstein has been floating around. Unfortunately, for Grizzlies fans, the dream of acquiring Isaiah Hartenstein this summer is very likely over already.
It's easy to see why Grizzlies fans would like to see Hartenstein added to the frontcourt. Isaiah Hartenstein is another option for playing against Victor Wembanyama while bringing winning experience as a former Knick and current key piece for the Thunder. While some originally saw his three-year $87 million as an overpay, the signing has been a resounding success for the Thunder.
His defensive toughness and ability to set screens would be a welcome boost to a Grizzlies team that needs more frontcourt depth and another similar skillset to Zach Edey. Even though the Grizzlies have some promising young pieces and will add more in a strong 2026 NBA Draft, the team needs more proven veterans with winning experience, and Hartenstein fits that to perfection.
The Grizzlies have multiple ways to boost their frontcourt, whether it's this year's draft or they look to for another proven option via trade or free agency. Unfortunately, it very likely won't be Isaiah Hartenstein.
The pursuit is likely over for the Grizzlies already
One of the biggest reasons that Hartenstein's name is popular this offseason is his looming $28.5 million team option this summer. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a very deep team and should remain at a high level for the foreseeable future, but they will have plenty of decisions to make since they're projected to be well above the second apron next season.
A couple of days ago, Anthony Slater and Tim McMahon spoke more about Hartenstein's future, and the current expectation around the league is for him to be in a Thunder uniform next season. This is regardless of whether or not the Thunder pick up his option or agree to an extension.
Regardless of the decision the Thunder make with Hartenstein's team option, it makes perfect sense for the team to not lose a key culture setter, especially after a tough conference finals exit this year. Joe Mullinax of Grizzlies on SI had recently proposed a draft night trade that would send Hartenstein alongside pick #17 in this year's draft to Memphis in exchange for a 2029 second-round pick.
While the Thunder have many tradable picks, there is simply no reason for them to pursue a deal of this lopsided nature. Plus, it seems more likely that the Thunder would decline his team option and reach a multi-year extension instead. Even though using the trade exception can really benefit the Grizzlies this summer, most signs point to it not being used on Hartenstein.
The Grizzlies have a golden opportunity for immediate improvement thanks to the 2026 NBA Draft and potential leaps from players such as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey. Unfortunately, the Isaiah Hartenstein dream looks unlikely, and the Grizzlies will likely look elsewhere for frontcourt upgrades.
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