10 biggest player option decisions of the 2023 NBA offseason

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Biggest player option decisions of the NBA offseason: 6. Josh Hart

Acquired via trade by the Knicks before this year’s trade deadline, Josh Hart made an instant impact in New York. in Hart’s 25 regular season games as a member of the Knicks, the team went 17-8 en route to earning the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Through 25 games with the Knicks, Josh Hart averaged 10.2 points per game to go along with 7.0 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game.

Similarly to Bruce Brown, Hart is a do-it-all type of player who can and will play any role that is required of him. He primarily spent time as a shooting guard for the Knicks and has also solidified himself as arguably the best rebounding guard in the league and one of the NBA’s most versatile players who can play any position.

Josh Hart himself has stated that he plans to decline his $12.96 million player option, but he has strong ties to this Knicks team. First, he is represented by the CAA (Creative Artists Agency), the former agency of current Knicks President of Basketball Operations, Leon Rose. Next, he is a very close friend and former college teammate of the Knicks’ franchise player, Jalen Brunson.

Not to mention, the Knicks have three first-round picks invested in Hart. The first-round pick they used to draft Kevin Knox, who was then traded to the Hawks along with an additional first-round selection for Cam Reddish. After the Cam Reddish experience didn’t go as planned, the Knicks packaged Reddish and another first-round pick to the Blazers in exchange for Josh Hart.

While Josh Hart expects to opt out of his option, he said he’d like to continue playing for the Knicks. Playing for his fourth team in six seasons, Hart just wants to be able to call New York his home. Given his instant impact on the team’s success, his strong ties to the front office, and the amount of draft capital the Knicks have invested in him, Hart figures to re-up with the team on a long-term extension.

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