Thunder's recent growth helped lure impressive big man away from New York

Isaiah Hartenstein has signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He inked a three-year, $87 million deal, thus earning himself a pay raise. Hartenstein impressed during his tenure with the New York Knicks. He entered the offseason as the hottest free-agent center on the market.

During an exclusive interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Hartenstein admitted that Oklahoma City's stature as a genuine contender helped lure him away from the Big Apple.

“I was going to make sure I was set for the rest of my life,” Hartenstein said. “But then at the same time, if it wasn’t a team like OKC, I would’ve taken a pay cut because I loved it [in New York]. But I now have an opportunity to make that money, make that pay raise, and still compete. I think that was the main factor...But it was definitely a hard decision. I couldn’t say no to an opportunity like this.”

New York is also a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. However, Hartenstein secured a pay increase and the opportunity to compete for a championship. It was the financial side of the deal that likely cemented his decision. As such, the Thunder have one of the strongest center rotations in the NBA heading into the new season.

The Knicks, on the other hand, must find a replacement for the impressive big man. His physicality and no-frills approach to the game perfectly suited Tom Thibodeau's roster.

Prying Hartenstein away from New York is another sign of the Thunder's growth into a legitimate powerhouse in the West. Not only are they seen as one of the best young teams in the league, but they're now enticing high-level role players away from comfortable situations. And that's the true sign of a team taking the final step into being respected as a contender.