Knicks wing Josh Hart confirmed he intends to opt out of his contract, but he hopes to re-sign with the club, he told Taylor Rooks of TNT and Bleacher Report (video link).
“We’ll probably decline that (option) and do the free agency thing,” Hart said.
Hart will leave $12.96MM on the table but he’s expected to get a raise in free agency, whether or not he stays in New York.
Hart started 51 games for the Trail Blazers this season before he was dealt to the Knicks at February’s trade deadline. He came off the bench for the Knicks in all but one regular-season game after the trade, averaging 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 25 contests. He appeared in 11 playoff games, including five starts, averaging 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Hart enjoyed his experience with the Knicks and hopes to remain there for years to come.
“I love New York. I love the team. I love the coaching staff and the front office that we have. Obviously, that would be an ideal place for me, to just re-sign there,” he said. “Everything’s perfect off the court and on the court.”
However, Hart’s all-around skills will likely attract other suitors. His next contract could have a first-year salary in the $15-18MM range and it’s not far fetched he could get an even higher salary.
Hart would like to make a commitment in the “first day or two” of free agency. In his previous foray into free agency in 2021, Hart was a restricted free agent with the Pelicans. He signed a three-year, $37.92MM contract with a player option but it took weeks for everything to finalize.
“I kind of actually cried a little bit. It took like three weeks to get it done,” he said. “I was like, ‘Do people want me in the league?’ I don’t think this free agency will go that way.”
Love this guy. Sign him, Leon!
He’ll be in Knick for a few more years yet.
The Knicks would be making a mistake in resigning this guy. Way overperformed. They got burned recently this way with Nerlens Noel, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock. Don’t let him fool you, hes was playing for the contract. They aren’t winning any championship with the team they have right now. Let Hart walk and find a suitor for Randle
You’re a Mets fan, that could explain why you know nothing about Hart
He played better in Portland 2nd half after he was traded. Then was exactly what the Knicks ordered. They also sent out a 1st for him so not resigning him is a terrible idea.
He’s a pro’s pro and hard worker. He scores if necessary but fills in all the cracks. Pushes transition which is the biggest benefit for a Thibs coached team that’s used to slowing it down.
Hart has pride he will play hard.
Kind of surprised he opted out. Fortunately Knicks have his Bird rights. Can’t fault a player for wanting to get value while he can. Knicks and Hart is a done deal.
Pels fan here… Knicks, PAY THE MAN. He gives everything he’s got, you find room for a player like him.
NYK knew Hart would opt out before making the trade. His age, salary history and details of the contract almost mandate it. Whether he exercised or not, NYK have no cap space this year, and they are not at the tax line. Unless they add a big salary elsewhere (net), they won’t be, and I imagine the team will want a contract with a high first year salary that steps down each year.
Don’t understand why anyone would say resigning him is a bad idea. He’s a perfect fit for the Knicks. They’ll get it done, no doubt about it.
Does 4/60 get it done? Knicks need to keep him at all costs.