Josh Hart is returning to the Knicks at a reduction. At least till his anticipated extension kicks in.
With a transfer that undoubtedly symbolizes different agreements on the horizon, Hart opted into his one-year, $12.9 million contract for subsequent season, a supply confirmed. It would’ve been a shock a month in the past, when Hart mentioned in an interview that he’ll possible choose out and hit free company. But circumstances dictated a pivot.
By opting into his deal, Hart, 28, is eligible for an extension in August price as much as 4 years and $81 million. Logic signifies he wouldn’t have opted into his contract with out assurances that the Knicks will lengthen his contract this summer time at a powerful quantity.
Hart is represented by CAA, the company carefully related to the Knicks.
By taking much less cash for the upcoming season (his wage in free company would’ve most likely been round $17.5 million in comparison with the $12.9 choice), the Knicks have extra monetary flexibility for this summer time. Put merely: Hart’s opt-in is geared towards serving to the Knicks within the brief time period and Hart within the long-term. Conversely, it’ll lighten Hart’s pockets within the brief time period and doubtlessly damage the Knicks’ flexibility sooner or later.
An rapid profit for the Knicks is use of the total mid-level exception in free company, which maxes out at round $12.4 million. They’ve been closely linked to two-way wing Donte DiVencenzo, who would command most, if not all, of that cash. ViVincenzo declined his $4.7 million choice earlier this week to turn into a free agent. He averaged 9.4 factors, 4.5 rebounds and three.5 assists final season with the Warriors. There’s not an apparent spot for the 26-year-old within the rotation until RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes or Immanuel Quickley are traded.
DiVincenzo’s arrival would mark a Villanova reunion with Hart and Jalen Brunson. The trio gained an NCAA title collectively in 2016. DiVincenzo and Brunson gained one other championship two years later.
Hart was acquired midseason by the Knicks for Cam Reddish and a first-round decide. He instantly injected vitality into Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, with the Knicks successful 9 straight after Hart joined the rotation. The expectation was all the time Hart would hit free company in the summertime, which he hinted at a number of occasions after the commerce.
But then the Knicks prolonged the deadline for Hart’s choice till Thursday afternoon — indicating they’ve one thing extra complicated within the works — and Hart opted into one other season at Madison Square Garden.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com