Josh Hart Finalizing Long-Term Extension With Knicks
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Over what has been a run-of-the-mill offseason for the New York Knicks, most fans have not had much to look forward to for immediate roster changes and additions. One thing that has kept Knick fans excited, however, was a potential contract extension for new fan-favorite player Josh Hart. After acquiring the 6’4 guard at the trade deadline, the team took a massive step forward, largely thanks to Hart. His performances helped guide the Knicks to their first playoff series victory in a decade, and ever since then, New York faithful have been clamoring to lock up Josh Hart for the long run.
Those fans got their wish today, as Adrian Wojnarowski announced that Hart and the Knicks are in the midst of finalizing a four-year, $81 million deal. The former Villanova star is not eligible to sign the contract until Thursday, but it is expected that he will put pen to paper sooner and officially commit to Knicks for the foreseeable future.
This new extension will build on top of the $12.9 million player option he picked up earlier in the summer, which means his total deal with the Knicks now runs through the 2027-2028 season, five years down the line. By opting into his relatively cheap player option, Hart gave the team the cap space necessary to sign a former Villanova teammate of his, Donte DiVincenzo, to a four-year, $50 million deal. Now, the Knicks have a large chunk of the college’s 2016 national championship team under contract, as Jalen Brunson still has three years left on his current deal. Rumors have swirled around the team targeting Mikal Bridges, who would be the final infinity stone of the Villanova championship squad. But for now, it appears Knicks fans will have to settle for just three former Wildcats on their team.
Hart’s new extension may seem like a hefty price to pay, but relative to other guards/wings of similar skill level it seems just about right. While he will make more than the Lakers’ Austin Reaves, he’ll be making less than the Rockets’ Dillon Brooks. For a strong sixth-man option off the bench that brings tenacity, unselfishness, and a high basketball IQ, $81 million is a borderline steal in the modern NBA. The Knicks will almost certainly have to dish out more money than that to Immanuel Quickley if they decide to extend him, and Hart’s deal still keeps him lower than Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett on the payroll: a solid deal for a solid player.
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But the most important factor in the Josh Hart extension is his love for New York City. Since the first moment he donned the orange and blue, he has taken to the city like a duck to water and has endeared himself to the Knicks faithful. Whether it’s braiding his hair to spell out ‘NY’, or his joyful post-game interviews where he thanks the fans, Josh Hart has quickly become one of the most beloved Knicks players in recent memory. Combined with his aggressive and team-first mentality on the court, Hart and the city of New York seem to be a match made in heaven. This type of player does not come around often, so the Knicks have done well to lock him up early and ensure many more great Josh Hart performances at MSG.
