Knicks And Josh Hart Agree Upon Extending Player Option Deadline Till Thursday

Josh Hart’s player option deadline will now expire on June 29 rather than June 24, as has been agreed upon by Hart and the New York Knicks. That leaves Hart with five more days to choose between exercising his $12.96 million option for the upcoming season and entering unrestricted free agency.

Knicks And Josh Hart Agree Upon Extending Player Option Deadline Till Thursday

If Hart exercises his option, he and the Knicks could decide to extend his deal past the upcoming year. As a result, New York would be eligible for the $12.4 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception.

Hart, who was acquired from the Trail Blazers at the trade deadline in February, stated this month in a podcast interview with Bleacher Report that he “probably” will reject his option and “do the free-agency thing,” despite frequently expressing a desire in re-signing with the Knicks.

Prior to the 2023 trade deadline, the Knicks made a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers to obtain Hart. Hart averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30 minutes of bench time per game over the course of 25 games with New York. In his initial playoff action, Hart averaged 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and started five of the Knicks 11 playoff games.

The unexpected change of events, which occurred only hours after news surfaced that the franchise intended to reject Derrick Rose’s $15.6 million player option, may have significant implications. It may imply that the Knicks are attempting to free up some immediate cap space in anticipation of a major trade and that they have larger plans. Wojnarowski states that Hart “is a priority to retain on a new deal” and that exercising his player option may be the most cost-effective beginning of a lengthier extension.

A long-term agreement between Hart and the Knicks is something that Nets wing Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Hart’s at Villanova, expressed optimism for on Saturday.

“You always know what you’re gonna get out of Josh, he just works so hard. He’s a dog out there. He does everything,” Bridges told The Post during an appearance in Brooklyn. “Obviously, I know he wants to be in New York, and I think he should be paid what he wants. You’re always gonna need a guy like that, and they needed a guy like Josh.

“Josh lives for the bright lights and doesn’t fold under pressure and you know he’s gonna play hard and give what he’s got every time he’s out there.”

Hart’s contract isn’t the only one that has to be resolved with the extension in question: The deadline to exercise Miles McBride’s player option is also on Thursday, albeit his is for a much more manageable $1.8 million.

What type of larger shift the Knicks could be financially preparing for is unknown at this time.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

Drew Rosenhaus Wrestles Shark On A Boat Trip With Tyreek Hill, Receives Criticism From PETA