There’s been a lot of speculation recently that New York Knicks guard Josh Hart would opt into his $12.9 million contract option for the 2023-24 NBA season.
That’s apparently exactly what he did on Thursday, per NBA insider Shams Charania.
“New York Knicks G/F Josh Hart has opted into his $12.9 million contract to return for the 2023-24 season,” tweeted Shams.
New York Knicks G/F Josh Hart has opted into his $12.9 million contract to return for the 2023-24 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2023
The 28-year-old averaged 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for the Knicks last season. He emerged as a critical part of the team’s backcourt coupled with Jalen Brunson following a midseason trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.
This was apparently what Hart was hoping would happen.
“I want a home. I want to find a home. This is a place where I would love that home to be,” Hart recently said, via NY Post writer Zach Braziller. “On the court, there are so many things that align with my principles as a player and off the court just being around with friends and close to family. This would be an amazing spot. Hopefully, they feel the same.”
The NBA world had lots of thoughts about the news that Hart would remain with the Knicks, at least for one more season.
This now helps the Knicks open up the MLE to potentially sign Donte DiVincenzo without going into the tax. Expect the Knicks & Hart to come to terms on an extension later in the summer when eligible.
(4-year/81M would be the max number) https://t.co/1GZ3rnapiO
— KnicksFeed & the Big Steppers (@knickzfeed) June 29, 2023
This is great for the Knicks but I’m surprised he didn’t test the waters to see if he could get more money/a longer deal, even if it was with New York
To me, he’s easily worth $16M/year, maybe more https://t.co/aCw46hc23p
— Alex (@AlexHoops_) June 29, 2023
this man is adding to his Knicks legacy and he's not even playing basketball https://t.co/SnUOUbnnNt
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) June 29, 2023
…….. Don't put him in a James Harden trade plz https://t.co/CwCKhXDa93
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) June 29, 2023
We’ll see if this means Hart will be a Knicks player for a long time to come, or if its just delaying the inevitable.
