When the New Orleans Pelicans finally traded Anthony Davis, to the Los Angeles Lakers of course, Josh Hart was one of the players who came back to the Pelicans in the deal. Now, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Hart would like a fresh start on another team. Specifically, Fedor put Hart on a list of names the Cavaliers may target.
There are other names worth watching: Denzel Valentine, Daniel Theis, Austin Rivers, Dante Exum, Reggie Bullock, Otto Porter Jr., Stanley Johnson and Josh Hart, who is one of [Larry] Nance’s best friends and, sources say, would like a fresh start,” wrote Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com regarding the free agent market.
Over 47 games (four starts) for the Pelicans this past season, Hart averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 32.6 percent from beyond the arc. He missed the final 25 games of the season due to a torn ligament in his right thumb.
Over two seasons with New Orleans (112 games), Hart has averaged 9.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game on 33.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Where could Josh Hart go this offseason?
Hart is a restricted free agent. Spotrac has tabbed his qualifying offer as being worth $5.2 million. The Pelicans could levy it to him, and allow themselves to match an offer sheet he might get from another team. Or, he could become an unrestricted free agent if they don’t give him that QO. If one path is more likely, it’s not giving Hart a qualifying offer and setting him free. And that seems to be what he’d prefer.
The Pelicans could also use Hart as part of a sign-and-trade deal. He hasn’t found consistent footing with two teams now, but he has flashed enough potential to be an intriguing flier for other teams. New Orleans can surely get something of value for him-even if it’s only a conditional second-round pick.
