Josh Hart officially became extension eligible on August 10th, and let me tell you, his future with the Knicks is about to get wild. This dude, fresh off a historic championship run that cemented Karl-Anthony Towns as a top big man, is still the most polarizing piece of that whole puzzle. You know the type: one minute he’s making you want to run through a brick wall, the next you’re screaming at your screen, ready to pull your hair out.
The Ultimate Rollercoaster Ride
His postseason run? Man, that was Josh Hart in a nutshell. We saw those huge moments, right? That emphatic Game 2 performance in the Eastern Conference Finals, pure electricity. Then there was that absolute masterpiece in Game 1 of the Finals: three points, fifteen rebounds, doing it all. But then, *bam*, the letdowns hit hard. Remember Game 1 of the Conference Finals? He struggled and got benched down the stretch. And don’t even get me started on that near-devastating miss in the Finals, saved only by a miracle OG Anunoby tip-in. My heart couldn’t take it! Despite that emotional rollercoaster he puts fans through, it’s clear Hart is still an integral part of this championship team. He’s got that bond with Jalen Brunson, that willingness to get down and do the dirty work. It’s seriously tough to imagine the Knicks without him for the next few years.
The Big Money Talk
So, what’s the money looking like for our man Hart? James L. Edwards III over at The Athletic dropped a bombshell, reporting that an anonymous league source believes a three-year extension, somewhere in that $54-62 million range, would be a “happy medium for both sides.” We’re talking about $18 to $20 million per season, which honestly, is pretty much right in line with the four-year, $80.9 million contract he signed three Augusts ago. But here’s the kicker: Hart could absolutely ask for more. Edwards even pointed out that guys like Derrick White and Dillon Brooks, who are important role players in their own right, are making north of $20 million, with White pulling in close to $30 million annually. Coming off a championship? It’s totally not unreasonable for Hart to want a pay bump, even if it’s a little one.
Home Sweet Home or More Green?
But hold up, there’s another side to this. Hart also has a ton of reasons to maybe take that current money, or even a slightly lesser contract. He’s talked about wanting to find a home, and man, New York looks like it’s it. Yeah, the fanbase can be vocal when he’s struggling, but there’s a real underlying respect and love for the guy. Being a Knick has meant playing with his closest friends, blowing up his brands, racking up endorsement deals, and yeah, becoming a champion! Sticking with what’s familiar, avoiding the madness of unrestricted free agency? For a 31-year-old veteran, that could be golden. The Knicks would likely pay Hart more if they
So, with Hart staring down a potential three-year deal, and having found his “home” in New York, the big question is how much does he value all that championship glory, friendship, and brand growth over chasing a few extra million? This isn’t just about money, it’s about cementing a legacy in the place he became a champion. We’re all watching to see what move this wild card makes next!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
Leave a Reply