New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has been a massive part of the team’s success late in the season and in the NBA Playoffs. That is why he is likely to land a substantial raise in free agency after opting out of the final year of his contract.
While blockbuster trades that included future Hall-of-Famers like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Russell Westbrook received the bulk of the attention at the NBA trade deadline, it could be argued that the New York Knicks deal for Portland Trail Blazers talent Josh Hart was maybe the best trade made in February.
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The six-year veteran has made a seamless transition into the playing style of New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. He has brought passion, effort, defense, and timely shooting. All things the team badly needed this season, and it has proven monumental during the postseason. However, his future in New York is not certain after this season.
New York Knicks record (’22-’23): 47-35
Hart has one year and over $12 million left on the three-year deal he signed in 2021. However, it is a player option, and after having such a major influence on the New York Knicks this season, he is expected to opt out and pursue a major raise in NBA free agency.
On Monday, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported on what several NBA executives expect Hart to get in free agency this summer. “According to four NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype, Hart is now projected to be worth $15-18 million annually in free agency this summer.”
With revenue and salary cap increases in the NBA recently, chances are Hart will get closer to $18 million on the open market. Which would mean an increase of $6 million per season on what he was set to make in 2023-2024.
The New York Knicks are expected to do all they can to re-sign Hart. Making a strong effort to trade off Evan Fournier — even if it means giving up draft assets — and giving the $18 million he is set to make to Hart instead could be the team’s strategy in July.
Game 4 of Knicks vs. Heat takes place on Monday night at 7:30 PM ET on TNT.