Potential Jazz Target Josh Hart Finally Makes Player Option Decision

One of the key pieces that allowed the New York Knicks to exceed expectations this past season came from their stellar wing, Josh Hart. A mid-season addition at the trade deadline, helping New York’s eventual push to the second round.

He’s developed into a great fit with the Knicks with his tenacious defense, rebounding (even at 6’ 5”), and steadily increasing shooting ability. In the 25 games he played during the regular season for New York, Hart shot over 51% from beyond the arc. Obviously, a smaller sample size than normal, but making over half of your threes in any situation is some great efficiency.

Surely, many teams will look to add a player like Hart considering the impact he brought late in the season.

And Hart recognizes this, seemingly why he’s now officially decided to test free agency during this offseason. In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, he laid out his plan for how July will look for him:

Josh Hart tells @TaylorRooks he's likely declining his player option to test free agency 👀

He'd love to stay in New York pic.twitter.com/1sAY9kySla
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 5, 2023

It definitely may be a bit premature to pin him as a target for the Utah Jazz, especially considering the love he seemingly has for the organization and city he’s with currently. However, we know free agency has taken some wild, unexpected turns in the past. If something goes awry in the Knicks’ process to retain Hart, the Jazz would be a prime destination for him.

The Jazz will have the great advantage amongst the league in terms of cap space. Considering the team’s projected ~$40 million in space, the front office will have immense flexibility to bring in two, or maybe even three of the better free agents in the class.

With the pending options surrounding existing guards Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker, an eventual departure could force the Jazz’s hand to sign a new rotational guard. Enter Josh Hart, who could mesh perfectly with what’s building in Utah.

Free agency now less than a month away, we’ll continue to see more players and teams get a better idea in the coming weeks of how the offseason will develop.

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream podcasts!