Sign Josh Hart to turn down a $13 million player option and re-sign with the Knicks
New York is where Josh Hart’s heart is.
Hart isn’t going anywhere especially after his dream start with the Knicks.
The 28-year-old guard is expected to decline his $13 million player option this summer and re-sign with the Knicks on a multi-year deal, according to Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto.
That must have been the plan all along after the Knicks gave up their lottery-protected first-round pick along with former lottery pick Cam Reddish in a trade that netted them the Villanova product.
The Knicks have the rights to the Hart Bird, which means they can go over the salary cap to re-sign him this summer. Hart could bring in $16-18 million per year in his next contract as a utility man who can play seamlessly with the junior or second unit.
Hart fit so perfectly like a glove in Tom Thibodeau’s system, that he immediately became part of the team’s final lineups. The team’s 9-1 record since his arrival speaks volumes about his impact.
Hart averages 11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 61.5% from the floor, including 60.9% from downtown. Knicks plus 10 in the 10 games he has played so far.
Hart has hinted several times since his arrival that he loves playing at Madison Square Garden and would love to make New York his home. He has become a fan favorite due to his theatrics and blue-collar mentality that resonates well with the city that never sleeps.
Leon Rose was Hart’s former agent before he accepted James Dolan’s offer to become Knicks president.
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