Acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA trade deadline, Josh Hart played an integral role for the New York Knicks last season.
When front office chief Leon Rose acquired Hart in the first place, he knew there was a real possibility that the former first-round pick would have his contract terminated and hit NBA free agency. Hart plans to do just that. “We’ll probably reject that (option) and do the free agency thing,” Hart said in early June.
The Villanova product has a $12.96 million option next season. He largely surpassed that figure with indications from NBA executives that Hart will make between $15-18 million on the open market.
That doesn’t disqualify the Knicks from re-signing the winger. Rather, it just shows us that Hart is going to have a strong market.
Josh Hart said he wants to stay in New York but nothing should be taken for granted. In fact, even Orladno Magic and Sacramento Kings would be ready to offer a contract to Josh Hart.