3 Best free agents to fill the backup center role for the 76ers

Isaiah Hartenstein could be the perfect backup big for the 76ers

Isaiah Hartenstein is having one of the best seasons of his career in New York and he's a crucial piece of the Knicks backup unit. The former Rockets big man has shown that he's a great center to have on your team due to the hustle and grit he plays with. The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer after two very productive years in the Big Apple.

The Knicks might opt to cash in their current squad by offering a lucrative extension deal to Hartenstein. However, the Knicks will need to preserve most of their cap flexibility to keep priced free agent OG Anunoby on the team. So, the Philadelphia 76ers might come in with a strong offer to strip their Conference rivals from some valuable depth.

Hartenstein is an A-plus rebounder and a massive presence around the rim. He was part of the reason the Sixers lost the rebounding battle to New York during their recent classic back-and-forth playoff contests. That said, his physicality will help the Sixers become more efficient on both ends of the floor and benefit from productive minutes when Embiid is not on the floor.

The German-American big has averaged 6.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists through 157 games with the New York Knicks. He will definitely demand a salary increase after signing a two-year-$17 million deal in 2022 and the 76ers might have the chance to deliver a blow to an Eastern Conference rival.