NY Knicks: Did Josh Hart hint at a move to New York?

Surprise, surprise the NBA is still going on and another player is being linked to the NY Knicks.

Normally I try not to pay too much attention to these rumors, especially when they are star-caliber players, however, this rumor has got me thinking.

NY Knicks: Josh Hart could be a valuable addition

If you haven’t seen it by now, New Orleans Pelican Josh Hart sat down on his podcast alongside co-host Matt Hillman and guest Kyle Lowry talking about an “anonymous” coach, who Hart later revealed to be our beloved Tom Thibodeau. Apparently Thibodeau “went to war” when Josh Hart was being drafted, and both Hart and Lowry made it no secret how much they respect and love the New York Knicks head coach.

I already wrote about how Kyle Lowry would be an awesome fit for the Knicks, but what about Josh Hart?

Naturally, I tried envisioning Hart in the Knicks rotation under Thibodeau and boy do I love his fit. A true 3 and D player who plays hard and will do anything he is asked, aka a Tom Thibodeau player.

Now while Hart has been in the league for 4 years, he hasn’t been the most consistent, averaging 9.2 points and shooting 34.8% from behind the arc. But this also means he will not demand a huge contract, which is why I think the NY Knicks should make an offer if possible.

Hart is entering free agency as a restricted free agent, but something is making me feel he will be wearing a new uniform next season.

So what would his contract look like?

When it comes to restricted free agents, they normally get overpaid more times than not, but if the Knicks offer him a deal where is making around $12 million per year, I believe we will get great value.

There is no question the Knicks need depth and shooting, especially after watching their playoff series vs the Hawks, Hart can be that guy. Hart also averaged 8 rebounds a game last season, which is an extremely underrated stat given he is listed at 6’5. 

A “Swiss Army Knife” type player who clearly has love for Tom Thibodeau? Sign me up. Also, don’t forget Julius Randle spent his time in Los Angeles as a Laker with Josh Hart… could Randle help persuade Hart to sign with us? Time will tell.