Josh Hart
It is a bit surprising that Josh Hart is still unsigned in free agency. Being a restricted free agent could have turned some teams away, but given the New Orleans Pelicans’ hesitancy to add long-term money, a good-sized offer sheet would have probably not been matched.
With cap space dwindling, there are not many teams that can offer Hart a deal without a sign-and-trade being completed. The Cleveland Cavaliers were mentioned as one possible landing spot early in free agency, but there hasn’t been much noise on that front since.
Hart’s defensive versatility is something plenty of teams can use, as he can defend four positions. He is an elite rebounder for a shooting guard, averaging 8.0 rebounds per game this past season. If he improves his 3-point shooting, he would be that much more sought after.
Unable to lock down a long-term contract this offseason, Hart will ultimately sign the qualifying offer that the Pelicans presented him with. The qualifying offer is worth more than $5.2 million and that will be what Josh Hart plays out the 2021-22 season on.
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The Villanova product will then enter free agency again next summer but will be an unrestricted free agent. So, he will wait one more season to cash in on a long-term deal.
