The Thunder have plenty of options. None will equate to Hartenstein but enough to survive this upcoming stretch. OKC has flexed its rubber-band-esque ability to stretch and transform its identity. It will be asked to do so again.

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will be reevaluated in approximately one week after suffering a left soleus strain.

But with Hartenstein, the Knicks were limited to offering a max of four years, $72.5 million. The Thunder gave up three years, $87 million. The reason for New York’s restrictions was it originally signed Hartenstein to a two-year deal, so operated with only his partial Bird Rights. Oklahoma City signed him using straight cap space.