3 Knicks players who are playing for their future in New York
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Obi Toppin #1 speaks with Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Obi Toppin #1 speaks with Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/953a2123379749c2a3b95533d53d65e039bc8d1cc12a3d580c31f6b697d3b5fe.jpg)
2: Josh Hart
The Knicks’ lone trade deadline move was sending Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, Ryan Arcidiacono, and a protected first-round pick to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Josh Hart. So far, that move has already turned out to be a great one for New York. Hart is 9-1 in the games that he’s played with New York.
However, there is a question mark about Hart’s future. He has a $12.96 million player option for 2023-24 that he’s expected to opt out of in favor of a larger contract. Based on how he’s been playing, he’s going to draw interest from opposing teams. But when trading for Hart, New York’s front office was well aware of his contract situation. He’s proven that he would be a great long-term fit with the Knicks, too.
Hart has said that he wants to remain in New York, so it’s not as if he’s looking to go elsewhere. After hopping around to three teams since being drafted in 2017, he’s hoping to stay with his fourth team. It helps that he gets to play alongside his former Villanova teammate and good friend Jalen Brunson.
Hart is averaging 11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 10 games for the Knicks while shooting 61.5% from the field and 60.9% from three. There’s still a lot of basketball left to be played this season, but he’s on the right track to getting a new contract with the Knicks.