After opting into his $12.9 million player option for 2023-24 in June, Josh Hart became extension eligible on Wednesday, Aug. 9. At 11:17 a.m. ET, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the New York Knicks and Hart were finalizing a four-year, $81 million extension.
Since arriving in New York in February, Hart has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Knicks long-term. He was a massive catalyst off the bench for New York to end the regular season and was instrumental in the Knicks’ first-round playoff win over the Cavaliers.
Hart was expected to decline his option for next season so that he could sign a new contract with New York as a free agent, but opting in helped to give the Knicks flexibility and sign Donte DiVincenzo in free agency. Hart was vocal about wanting New York to sign DiVincenzo, his former Villanova championship teammate.
Hart will compete for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup alongside Jalen Brunson. He said over the weekend at training camp in Las Vegas that New York is where he wants to “call home.” Hart missed Team USA’s first exhibition game against Puerto Rico on Monday due to “rest” but is expected to be back in action once the extension is made official.
Sides are working thru the final details today, and once fully complete, Hart will continue his participation with Team USA on its way to the FIBA World Cup. https://t.co/qJMvhmP8CY
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 9, 2023
Josh Hart finalizing four-year, $81 million extension with New York Knicks
In the 25 games that Josh Hart played in New York to close out the 2022-23 regular season, he was stellar. Hart averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 58.6% from the floor and 51.9% from three. Those numbers cooled off in the postseason, but that was expected.
Hart has hopped around the league since being drafted in 2017. He spent two seasons with the Lakers before going to the Pelicans for two and a half seasons as part of the Anthony Davis trade. At the 2022 trade deadline, Hart was sent to the Trail Blazers as part of the CJ McCollum trade. He was on the move again before the 2023 deadline, but he’s now found his home.
Extending Josh Hart was a no-brainer move for Leon Rose and the Knicks. Next up, fans would love to see Immanuel Quickley sign an extension before the 2023-24 season starts.
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