Will Josh Hart Return To The Knicks?
Josh Hart was a revelation for the Knicks this season. That much is certain. In 25 games during the regular season, the journeyman shot 51 percent from three. Right from the start, it seemed like Hart and MSG was a match made in heaven. As of right now, it appears that their love affair will continue.
The two sides agreed to push his player option deadline to Thursday of this week. It’s yet to be decided whether Hart will return to the Knicks on his $12.9 million option or a new deal. However, it seems that Leon Rose is really hoping the former Villanova Wildcat will be in a Knicks jersey one way or another.
One of the reasons Josh Hart had such a great start to life in New York was Jalen Brunson. The pair were standouts under Jay Wright as they won the 2016 National Championship. Hart was drafted by the Lakers in 2017 while Brunson won his second collegiate title in 2018, but there was instant chemistry for obvious reasons. Before it was even official, we got this trending video:
Jalen Brunson finding out the Knicks traded for Josh Hart pic.twitter.com/hcBJCVbG8M
— Overtime (@overtime) February 9, 2023
Hart’s style of play also won him over Knicks fans very quickly.
His hard-nosed combination of effort and talent shone on the hardwood of MSG. His contributions off the bench were one of the reasons the Knicks surprisingly made it within two wins of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance this year.
The Knicks have somewhat indicated they also want to run it back with most of this core. That seemingly includes Hart. However, there are some upgrades that need to be made–some that fans like myself wish would happen.
The former Laker, Pelican and Trail Blazer said earlier in June that he would likely opt out and test free agency. However, this new deadline could be an indicator that it may not be the case. Regardless, both Josh Hart and the Knicks want him to stay a Knick.
