What Would a Josh Hart Reunion Cost the Knicks?
It's obvious the New York Knicks will go into this offseason thinking with their heads ... but what about their Hart?
One look at the Knicks' record after acquiring Josh Hart proves that the former Portland Trail Blazer was one of the most valuable acquisitions at the NBA trade deadline: after New York acquired him for Cam Reddish, Ryan Arcidiacono, Svi Mykhailiuk, and a draft pick, the Knicks went 17-8 over the rest of the regular season and earned the fifth seed on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket.
Though Hart struggled in the Knicks' eventual six-game coda against the Miami Heat, he played an instrumental role in a prosperous final quarter of the regular season, averaging 10.2 points and seven rebounds in 25 appearances upon reuniting with former collegiate teammate Jalen Brunson. Hart made no secret about prolonging his stay in New York, though it's unlikely he opts to return on the $12.9 million player option left over on a contract originally bestowed from New Orleans.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto was joined on the site's podcast with Knicks insiders Ian Begley of SNY and Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Each offered optimistic thoughts on a potential Hart reunion: Begley, for example, mentioned that Hart wanted to "touch Leon (Rose's) pockets."
The trio confirmed, however, that extending their partnerships would indeed cost the Knicks a pretty penny.
"Executives I have spoken to think he gets somewhere in the $15-18 million annual salary," Scotto declared. "If I had to guesstimate where I think it’s ultimately going to go, I could see Hart getting a little bit higher towards the $18 million a year mark because of the way the cap is going up."
"Tom Thibodeau loves him. He’s a CAA (Leon Rose's former agency) guy. At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, the buzz from the Knicks, rival executives, and even rival agents was that Josh Hart was going to re-sign with the Knicks. I think four years, $72 million for him, would seemingly be ideal."
While Hart will likely opt out of his player option for a bigger payday, Bondy mentioned that emotional ties could ensure that he sticks around.
"It helps (Hart) that he and Brunson are best friends," Bondy said, mentioning the Villanova connection. "Right now, Brunson is the franchise player. That certainly helps."
Thanks to Hart's contributions to a successful playoff effort, he'll likely stand as one of the most valuable depth options come the start of the free agency sessions. Will the Knicks be willing to open their wallets?
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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