Josh Hart plans to decline player option, wants to re-sign with Knicks

Josh Hart plans to decline player option, wants to re-sign with Knicks

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart confirmed Tuesday he plans to decline his player option worth $12.96 million, turning himself into an unrestricted free agent. Though the 28-year-old would like to remain in New York for the foreseeable future.

“We’ll probably decline that (option) and do the free agency thing,” Hart said. “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.

“Everything’s perfect off the court and on the court.”

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

Hart has until June 24 to decide on his player option, since his non-guaranteed $12.7 million 2023=24 salary becomes guaranteed on June 25, per Spotrac.

Hart was acquired by the Knicks ahead of the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, where he fit perfectly. Hart averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 25 games (one start) with New York, helping them reach the playoffs for the second time since 2012-13.

On the season, he averaged 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 32.3 minutes per game, shooting 52.9 percent from the floor, 37.2 percent from 3-point range and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line.

Hart’s consistently well-liked on and off the court, so there’s a chance he may be able to sign a deal that ranges from $16 to $18 million annually. In that case, Hart would become the team’s fifth highest-paid player behind forward Julius Randle ($28.2M), guard Jalen Brunson ($26.3M), forward R.J. Barrett ($23.9M) and guard Evan Fournier ($18.6M).

Hart made it clear that he wants to remain in the blue and orange. The Knicks have Hart’s bird rights, so they could theoretically sign him to any amount, but New York’s near the luxury tax (without Hart’s contract) and still have decisions to make regarding Rose’s and McBride’s team options.

Do you think Hart will remain in the Big Apple? Let us know in the comments!

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