In a surprising move, swingman Josh Hart has opted into his $12.6 million 2023-24 player option with the New York Knicks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Hart was expected to decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency. It’s unknown what changed his mind.
The Knicks acquired Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers on February 9. The 28-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 25 games with New York while shooting 58.6% from the field, 51.9% from beyond the arc and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
Hart could extend off his 2023-24 salary number. An option for the combo guard that would deliver the Knicks cap flexibility would be an opt-in and extension off his $12.9 million for next season, which he is eligible to do for up to 140% of that salary. That route would give the Knicks access to using their full $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Hart & New York Knicks Updates
New York has $149 million in guaranteed salary on the books for next season, which is $16 million below the luxury tax level.
The Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games but lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Hart averaged 10.4 points, 7.4 boards and 2.2 assists against the Cavaliers and Heat.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Hart & New York Knicks Updates
At the beginning of June, Hart told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report that he loves playing for the Knicks and wants to re-sign with New York.
“I love New York,” Hart said. “I love the team. I love the coaching staff, the front office that we have. We got young guys, draft picks, all those sort of things. So I mean, obviously that would be an ideal place for me to just re-sign there and do that.”
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