Knicks News: Josh Hart on not feeling included, Bojan Bogdanovic trade idea

The New York Knicks signed Josh Hart to a four-year, $81 million extension over the summer after sending a protected first-round pick to Portland for him in February. Hart fit right in with the Knicks to end the 2022-23 season, but things haven't been the same in 2023-24.

With Obi Toppin gone, Hart is New York's backup power forward. He's averaging a career-low 7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists (the lowest for him since 2020-21) per game, shooting 42.2% from the field (the lowest for him since 2018-19) and a career-low 28.6% from three.

The success he had to close out the regular season in 2022-23 wasn't sustainable, but fans didn't envision him struggling the way he has to start his first full year in New York. Hart has said he isn't in a rhythm and doesn't feel included (subscription required).

"When asked to elaborate on what he meant when he said he didn't "feel included," Hart started to talk about being an energy guy who needed "to get in that rhythm" and then cut himself short before adding "sometimes it's tough." "

- Barbara Barker, New York Daily News

Will the Knicks get a true backup power forward off the free agent/trade market, or continue to roll with Hart at the four?

Speaking of trades, The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, who covers the Pistons, proposed a Detroit-New York trade (subscription required) that would send Bojan Bogdanovic to the Knicks. New York would be giving up a 2024 first-round pick and Evan Fournier for Bogdanovic, who's expected to make his season debut this week.

Fred Katz, who covers the Knicks for The Athletic, speculated that such a deal could happen but it wouldn't come until closer to the trade deadline.

More Knicks news

- New York will play its final In-Season Tournament group game on Tuesday against Charlotte. Here's how the Knicks can advance to the quarterfinals.

- New York waived Duane Washington Jr. on Monday and re-signed undrafted rookie Jaylen Martin to a two-way contract.

NBA news

- Former Knick Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with a left calf strain, and on Sunday, it was reported that he'll be reevaluated in one week.

- Draymond Green spoke about the Rudy Gobert chokehold for the first time since being suspended, and he didn't apologize for his actions.

- CJ McCollum has been sidelined since earlier this month with a small pneumothorax in his right lung. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported on Monday that McCollum hopes to return on Wednesday against the Sixers or Friday against the Spurs.