Lakers urged to replace Deandre Ayton with $87 million Thunder NBA champion center

“Hartenstein asserted his value in front of the entire NBA when he broke out with the New York Knicks, and he's only continued to reiterate that value as a member of the Thunder, helping OKC win a title last season and continuing his selfless production this year.”

“Hartenstein is the opposite type of player to Ayton. Whereas Ayton thinks of himself as an offensive threat who is entitled to touches (even on a team featuring Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James!), Hartenstein just puts his head down and rebounds without asking for anything in return.”

Hartenstein may not be as skilled as Ayton, but the former Knicks big man plays with a higher sense of urgency, is a more engaged defender/rebounder, and is, without a doubt, a more reliable frontcourt option than Ayton.

Hartenstein averaged 8.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks against the Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, shooting a remarkable 80% from the field.

Ayton, on the other hand, contributed 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 0.3 steals per game while shooting 45.2% from the field.

If the Thunder don’t pick up Hartenstein’s team option and Ayton opts out of his player option this summer, Keane’s free agency idea could materialize this summer.

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