Knicks swingman intends to opt out of contract, hopes to re-sign with team

The New York Knicks made a wise decision at the NBA trade deadline, acquiring 28-year-old swingman Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers, but knew there would be some risk involved.

Hart, who inked a three-year, $37.9 million deal in 2021, has a player option for 2023-24, which many predicted he'd opt out of following a stellar run with the Knicks. During a conversation with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, Hart confirmed the rumors and announced that he'll become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this summer. 

"We'll probably decline [the player option] and do the free agency thing," Hart told Rooks. "My first free agency, I was restricted, and it was a--. I kind of actually cried a little bit. It took like three weeks to get it done. I'm like, 'Damn, do people want me in the league?' I don't think this free agency will go this way."

Although Hart will test free agency, he has made his intentions clear that he would like to return to the Knicks and continue playing alongside his college teammate Jalen Brunson. 

"I love New York. I love the team," Hart said. "I love the coaching staff, the front office that we have. We got young guys, draft picks, all those sorts of things. Obviously, that would be an ideal place for me to just re-sign and do that."