Russell Westbrook texted Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein about OKC

After admiring from afar, Isaiah Hartenstein will now enjoy a firsthand experience of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s culture.

The signing became official on Saturday and spoke to the media about his decision. He mentioned the Thunder’s reputation as one of the selling points to his decision to leave the New York Knicks and ink a three-year deal in OKC.

The 26-old-year disclosed the Thunder’s reputation precedes itself less than a week since it was reported he signed a contract.

Hartenstein mentioned that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached out to him. The MVP runner-up welcomed him to OKC. Both players will likely share ample time on the court as pick-and-roll partners.

Hartenstein said he remembered growing up watching the old Thunder squads when he was in Germany headlined by the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

“OKC was always a team I was always excited about,” Hartenstein said.

He even detailed that Westbrook reached out to him to welcome him to Oklahoma City. The former MVP enjoyed the best years of his career in OKC from 2008-19.

“Russ was probably one of the first guys that texted me,” Hartenstein said. “He was like, ‘If you ever need anything — I think he said ‘the O’ or something — just let me know.'”

That was a surprising namedrop by Hartenstein. Westbrook is obviously looked at fondly by Thunder fans during his time.

The reaction to the anecdote was largely positive from Thunder fans. Despite not being together for five years, the love between Westbrook and OKC remains strong.