What is Isaiah Hartenstein’s worth?

Since Isaiah Hartenstein signed a new contract with the New York Knicks two years ago, a strange rule in the collective bargaining agreement limits what they can offer him this summer when he becomes a free agent again. New York can’t offer him more than $16.2 million as a starting salary.

A two-year offer from the Knicks would max out at $33.7 million. A three-year offer could cost no more than $52.4 million. And a four-year offer, the longest contract the Knicks could offer Hartenstein, would be capped at $72.5 million.

Another team might give Hartenstein more, but considering what the rest of the league thinks of him, the Knicks seem to have a chance of keeping the 7-foot-4 player – and not just because he’s been willing to accept less money in the past to stay in a stable situation.

The athlete recently surveyed 16 front-office employees on what they thought would be a “fair” contract for Hartenstein in an unrestricted free agent deal. Responses ranged from $15 million per year to $22.5 million per year.

Some suggested short-term contracts, others advocated four-year contracts.

The median and most common answer, suggested by four people, was the highest offer the Knicks could make him: four years, $72.5 million.

“In terms of numbers, he’s worth more,” said someone who believes Hartenstein deserves every penny the Knicks can give him. According to advanced statistics, Hartenstein was one of the best defenders in the league last season.

“But this was the first year of his career where he started more than eight games, and even that was partly because Mitch (Robinson) was injured,” the person continued. “Guys with that track record who serve as backup players in their careers don’t usually get paid, even if they’re productive.”

You can read the rest of my story here.