Former Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein captures his first NBA title with the Oklahoma City Thunder after a strong Game 7 performance against the Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals.

A familiar face to New York Knicks fans is now basking in championship glory. Isaiah Hartenstein, who spent two impactful seasons in New York, has officially become an NBA Champion after helping the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

From Knicks Contributor to Thunder Hero

In his debut season with Oklahoma City, Hartenstein took on a crucial role, becoming the team’s starting center during their playoff push. In the decisive Game 7, he delivered a solid all-around performance:

• 7 points
• 9 rebounds
• 4 assists
• 18 minutes of intensity

The Thunder trailed by one at halftime but flipped the switch in the second half, powering their way to a 103–91 victory and securing the franchise’s second NBA title.

Breakout Season on a Championship Squad

Hartenstein elevated his game all year, posting career-best numbers by averaging 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. His hustle, court vision, and physical presence made him an essential cog in Oklahoma City’s championship run.

While the Knicks continue to seek their own title breakthrough, one of their former players has reached the NBA summit—showing just how valuable Hartenstein truly is on a winning team.

Kevin Durant lands in Houston after a blockbuster trade with the Suns. Knicks fans are left wondering: Did New York make a costly mistake by passing on a generational talent?

The long-awaited Kevin Durant trade saga has come to an end—but not with the superstar wearing a New York Knicks jersey. Instead, it was the Houston Rockets who pulled the trigger, acquiring the 15-time All-Star from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal finalized on Sunday.

In exchange for Durant, the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, one first-round pick, and five second-round picks. The Rockets managed to hold onto key young talents like Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason, making the trade a surprising power move as they aim to contend in the Western Conference.

Durant, who turns 37 next season, remains one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA, and his addition instantly boosts Houston’s profile. However, the real headline for Knicks fans is this: New York was on Durant’s preferred destination list—but passed on making an offer.

That decision didn’t sit well with ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who voiced his disappointment on X:

“Reposting as we see just how little it cost for the Rockets to acquire this still transcendent player. The Knicks (and others) will regret not making this move.”

The Knicks were heavily linked to Durant throughout the trade speculation, and the relatively modest price paid by Houston has raised serious questions about why New York opted out—especially with their championship window starting to crack open.

Durant’s move to Houston not only shifts the NBA’s balance of power, but also leaves Knicks fans to ponder what could’ve been. With Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns already in place, the addition of Durant could have created a superteam in the East.

As the dust settles, the Knicks’ decision to stay quiet in the Durant sweepstakes might go down as a monumental misstep—one they may not be able to undo.

Obi Toppin is thriving in Indiana’s NBA Finals run, and the Knicks’ decision to trade him for second-round picks is aging poorly. Did New York give up on young talent too soon?

As Toppin plays a vital role in the Indiana Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals, critics are revisiting the 2023 trade that sent the former No. 8 overall pick to Indiana for two second-round picks in 2028 and 2029. At the time, the move was framed as a necessary step to clear a path for Julius Randle. Now, with Randle gone and Toppin thriving, it looks more like a massive misstep.

Toppin Flourishing in the Role Knicks Didn’t Think He Could Handle

Since joining Indiana, Toppin has proven he’s more than capable as a high-energy bench contributor behind star forward Pascal Siakam. In 22 playoff games this season, the 26-year-old forward is averaging 9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds, while shooting 49.7% from the field, 33.3% from deep, and 69.4% at the line. He’s doing all this in the exact role the Knicks once doubted he could manage—coming off the bench behind a high-usage power forward.

Julius Randle Is Gone, and So Is the Insurance Policy

With Julius Randle now in Minnesota following an October trade, the Knicks are left without a reliable, athletic power forward option like Toppin. His absence is felt even more deeply as New York struggles to find scoring and energy off the bench in crucial playoff moments.

A Pattern of Giving Up on Young Talent?

According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, Toppin isn’t the only young talent the Knicks gave up on too soon during the Tom Thibodeau era. Players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes were also shown the door—moves that have raised concerns about the organization’s long-term development strategy.

Even after adding promising rookies such as Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Kevin McCullar, and Ariel Hukporti in last year’s draft—and with James Nnaji possibly joining soon—the bigger question remains: Will these young players be given the runway to grow, or will history repeat itself?

Knicks’ Front Office Under Scrutiny

The Knicks’ front office, once praised for its aggressive pursuit of playoff success, now faces tough questions about its handling of homegrown talent. As Toppin continues to shine on the biggest stage, New York fans are left wondering what could’ve been if patience had won out.

Will the Knicks learn from their past mistakes, or will more rising stars slip through their fingers? Only time will tell. But for now, Obi Toppin’s rise in Indiana is a painful reminder of a decision the Knicks may regret for years.