Josh Hart is now eligible for another contract extension with the New York Knicks, and there seems to be a big gap between the maximum he can receive and what his next deal will likely look like.
According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, Hart became extension eligible on August 10 and can technically sign a four-year deal worth as much as $132 million. But league sources suggest that the actual price could be much lower.
One source suggested that a three-year extension worth $54 million to $62 million could be a reasonable compromise for both sides, while another source suggested a three-year deal worth $62 million as the potential sweet spot.
But Edwards thinks that Hart has an argument to push for something closer to $70 million to $80 million over three years, considering the market for high-level role players.
Hart is currently playing on a four-year, $80.9 million extension. He will make $20.9 million next season, and the Knicks hold a $22.3 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign.
The 31-year-old’s production gives him plenty of leverage in negotiations. Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range last season.
Besides these numbers, his versatility, rebounding, and willingness to do whatever it takes for the New York Knicks have made him one of the most important pieces in their rotation.
There are also some comparable contracts around the league that could strengthen Hart’s case. Dillon Brooks recently signed a three-year, $73 million extension, while Derrick White will make more than $30 million next season. If players occupying similar high-level roles are earning that kind of money, Hart’s representatives could argue that another contract worth around $20 million annually does not reflect his true value.
The complication is the Knicks’ increasingly expensive roster. Jalen Brunson has already sacrificed money to give the organization additional flexibility, Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million extension, OG Anunoby is making more than $40 million annually, and Karl-Anthony Towns is also in line for another extension.
That leaves the Knicks balancing their desire to reward Hart with the need to avoid creating second-apron problems.
Hart also has something big to consider. He turns 32 in March, making this potentially the final big deal that he could get in the NBA. Accepting something around three years, $60 million would guarantee Hart financial security through his mid-30s while also giving New York financial flexibility.
Pushing toward $70 million to $80 million could better reflect what other similar players are receiving.
But both sides have strong reasons to find common ground. Hart has become one of the defining players of this Knicks era and has developed particularly close chemistry with Jalen Brunson. The Knicks know that replacing what Hart provides would not be easy and definitely not cheap.
The question isn’t necessarily whether Hart deserves another contract. It is how much the Knicks are ready to pay to keep their championship core together.
