Report: Knicks expected to pursue Hartenstein, Drummond

The New York Knicks are set to pursue free-agent centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Andre Drummond when free agency opens, SNY's Ian Begley reports.

New York is expected to "aggressively" go after signing Hartenstein, who the Orlando Magic are also courting, Begley notes. The Knicks reportedly have a "degree of interest" in Drummond. Both players project to play behind Mitchell Robinson in the Knicks' center rotation.

Hartenstein served as Ivica Zubac's backup center last season on the Los Angeles Clippers. The 24-year-old averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 68 appearances.

Drummond split time between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets last campaign. After beginning the season in a reserve role with Philly, Drummond took on full-time starter duties once he joined the Nets. Drummond averaged 7.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks across 73 games in 2021-22.

Robinson is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent, though the Knicks are confident they'll re-sign the big man this summer, per Begley. New York can go over the salary cap to bring back Robinson.