Predicting where each New York Knicks free agent will play in 2023-24
By Dalton Sell
![CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 26: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks is congratulated by Miles McBride #2 after making a shot during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 26: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks is congratulated by Miles McBride #2 after making a shot during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2bf18407bad65e9ef69272aa559d1413bc8d8e7302238b6d50a6d42b22376a2b.jpg)
Josh Hart – New York Knicks
Josh Hart was an excellent trade deadline acquisition for the Knicks, as the shooting guard played extremely well, having cemented himself as a key piece for this team. Now, Hart has the option to test NBA free agency if he declines his $12.9 million player option, which he told Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks he plans to do.
While Hart will very likely test the market, the Knicks should not hold back when it comes to giving the two guard a raise to stick around. Hart himself made it clear to Rooks that he wants to stay in New York, so the mutual interest is clearly there.
Just about every single team in the league would love to have Hart. He brings infinite amounts of energy to the court whenever he plays, always hustling for loose balls and taking on a tough defensive assignment.
Hart is a perfect fit alongside New York’s other key pieces, especially Jalen Brunson. Not only are they a good on-court fit, but the two also attended college together, so they are close in that regard. It makes all the sense in the NBA world for the Knicks to keep the franchise’s newest fan-favorite player.
According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger (subscription required), Hart’s next deal could see him earn around $20 million annually over three or four years. Keeping the guard will not be cheap, but it’s absolutely the right move for New York.