Josh Hart jokes about ‘selfish’ scenario where he could ask for a trade from New York Knicks

Josh Hart says he’ll ask for a trade if he doesn’t get the starting role

Since getting traded to the Knicks during the 2022-23 NBA season, Hart has slowly earned a starting role on the Knicks.

In fact, he started in all games that he played for the organization during the 2024-25 NBA season. But with the arrival of new players, Hart’s starting role could be in jeopardy.

Well, Hart addressed that potential situation during the Knicks’ Media Day press conference, albeit hiding his desire behind a joke.

“If I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade. I had the best year of my career last year, but that’s in the past. I think I’m a starter in the league, I think I deserve to be a starter in the league,” Hart said.

For context, Hart averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while playing a league-high 37.6 minutes per game for the Knicks.

Josh Hart clarifies his ‘selfish’ statement

Despite wanting a starting role, coach Brown may bench Hart for his own good. After all, Hart revealed he has a lingering finger injury.

But would the 30-year-old really demand a trade if he is asked to come off the bench?

“But at the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for the team. Last year, I talked about sacrifice the whole time and being a good steward of my gifts and those kinds of things,” Hart continued.

“It would be extremely selfish for me to go out there and demand to start. Whatever Mike wants to do, or doesn’t want to do, I’m cool with,” Hart concluded.

So, it was nothing but a clever ruse by Hart to make some Knicks fans spiral in tension. After all, Hart has been incredibly welcoming of Clarkson, a potential player who could snatch his starting position.