The 2024 NBA free agency has already seen some massive deals taking place. From Jayson Tatum’s historic $315 million extension to Paul George’s $212 million deal, more than $1 billion has been spent by NBA franchises so far this summer. One of the big contributors to this spending spree is Isaiah Hartenstein. Parting ways with the New York Knicks, the 26-year-old inked an $87 million, 3-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. While most of the NBA world has been celebrating Hartenstein’s contract, former NBA star David West seemed to take a shot at the new OKC signing. And fans weren’t too pleased.

West posted an image on his Instagram Story about Hartenstein’s three-year deal. He captioned it, “What a time to be an NBA player!!!!!!” However, when you take a closer look, West highlighted Hartenstein’s stats for the 2023-24 season in the corner of the image. Fans noted how West’s post appeared to be an indirect shot at the 26-year-old’s numbers.

Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 25.3 minutes per game last season. While a few people agreed with 2x NBA champion David West’s take, others were against it. And as you might expect, fans were quick to defend the Thunders’ latest recruit.

Isaiah Hartenstein earned it

Isaiah Hartenstein isn’t the only one. Numerous players such as LeBron James, James Harden, and more inked solid deals in the first few days of the free agency. Paul George inked a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for $212 million. No wonder many such as this fan don’t seem to agree with West’s opinion and wrote, “Trash take,” on X.

Despite what the stats show, Hartenstein was a valuable asset to the New York Knicks. Being Jalen Brunson’s top pick-and-roll partner, he is a defensive powerhouse that boosted the team’s performance. This is probably why a netizen believes that the player is deserving of the deal. “Averages never tell the production of NBA Players trust me he deserved to that money,” the netizen wrote on X. Another fan wrote, “Yes of course it is..Can’t blame him and Isaiah deseved it..”

Well, New York Knicks fans are well aware of his value to the team. Even if the team has compensated for Hartenstein’s absence with other key players such as Mikal Bridges, some are upset with his departure. One of them wrote, “David clearly didn’t watch Hartenstein play last season. There’s a reason us Knicks fans are saddened by his leaving.”

Numerous fans simply believe that West’s post is unnecessary criticism directed at the player. A fan wrote, “Earned every penny, dudes just a hater.” Well, the retired NBA player earned $92 million throughout his 15-year NBA career while Hartenstein’s latest 3-year contract is just $5 million less than what he earned. West was also a 2x All-Star and won 2 NBA championships towards the end of his career. “He didn’t watch Knicks games. I get why he salty tho,” another netizen noted.

David West might be looking salty because of his take but that’s how the NBA has grown over the years. Players like West played a major role in making sure players who might not be the biggest names get their money as well. The tremendous growth of the league has allowed such deals to happen. Can only be a cause for celebration.

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