NBA rumors: Zach LaVine trade, Knicks extensions, Kawhi future

NBA Rumors: Josh Hart, Immanuel Quickley in line for big extensions

The Knicks are quickly approaching the extension deadline for two key role players: Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart. The former has spent his entire rookie contract with the Knicks. The latter arrived last season via trade and opted into the final year of his contract, rather than testing the free agent waters.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Hart is expected to receive an extension in the range of four years and $75 million in August. That’s a more than fair price for one of the league’s best complementary wings. Hart is a staple of New York’s perimeter defense and a constant presence on the glass. Offensively, his mix of shooting, slashing, and passing can’t be overlooked.

With the cap ceiling rising, this feels about right for players in Hart’s tier. Bruce Brown received a little over $22 million annually from the Pacers, a potentially strong point of comparison. The NBA is a wing’s league and versatile role players of Hart’s ilk will continue to get paid.

As for Quickley, he’s expected to demand a higher price tag in advance of his extension deadline in October. The Knicks will have to get creative on the financial front with Hart’s contract joining the expensive core of Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, and Jalen Brunson. If Quickley is asking for over $20 million annually, the Knicks are going to be swimming in tax dollars.

One extremely feasible fallout of Quickley’s high demands would be a potential R.J. Barrett trade. The former No. 3 pick hasn’t really materialized into a consistently beneficial offensive presence and the Knicks could look to dump his $26.7 million average annual salary to clean up the books.