Best Move #3: The Knicks trading For Josh Hart
While the trade sending Reddish to New York turned out to be a disappointment, the aftermath of it was landing Josh Hart. The Knicks sent Reddish and a lottery-protected first-round pick to Portland in exchange for Hart at last year’s trade deadline and immediately went on a nine-game winning streak.
While Hart’s numbers of 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game might not jump out to you, his shooting percentages will. Although it was on relatively low volume, he managed to shoot 58% from the field and 51% from three across 25 regular season games with the Knicks. Unlike in Portland, Hart was given the green light to shoot from outside by Tom Thibodeau, and that decision absolutely paid off.
While his efficiency would dip in the postseason, Hart still had a huge impact on New York’s series win against the Cavs. He provided elite rebounding despite his lack of size at 6’4”, as well as lockdown defense and clutch shot-making.
Hart is now expected to receive an extension in the range of four years $75 million after picking up his $12 million player option for next season. Assuming the two sides agree on a new deal around that amount, it will be well-deserved, unlike another Knick’s most recent deal.