'Oh S***!!!': Jalen Brunson Reacts to Knicks' Josh Hart Trade

Jalen Brunson was in familiar, ironic territory when he learned his New York Knicks acquired his old teammate in Josh Hart.

Jalen Brunson hasn't played a game at Finneran Pavilion in nearly five years. Yet, one more victory awaited within the walls of his alma mater's on-campus basketball home on Wednesday night.

The New York Knicks point guard had returned to Villanova University where the No. 1 jersey he wore for three years as a Wildcat, one that was worn in two victorious national championship efforts, was retired during their Big East showdown against DePaul. Several of his Knicks teammates were on hand for the ceremony and an old ... and new ... friend joined them in spirit shortly after.

@jalenbrunson1 post jersey retirement ceremony finding out @joshhart was traded to the @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/bffT3HFzaA

— 🏀Nova Hoops (@capj1344) February 9, 2023

With Thursday's NBA trade deadline looming, the Knicks reportedly traded for Portland swingman Josh Hart, whose hardwood path crossed with Brunson's at Villanova for two seasons, including the one that led to national championship glory in 2016. Shortly after halftime festivities commemorated Brunson's illustrious Wildcat career, Brunson's reaction to the trade was captured by Twitter user @Capj1344 (listed name as Nova Hoops). 

It's safe to say that Brunson approves.

"Oh s***!" Brunson yells as a friend shows him his smartphone, likely containing news of the trade, before raising his arms and declaring "Yes!!" 

Hart joins the Knicks in a deal that sent Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, another Villanova alum in Ryan Arcidiacono, and a protected first-round draft pick to the Pacific Northwest. His 8.2-rebound average and .504 field goal percentage currently stand as career bests. Like Brunson, Hart has been immortalized in Villanova history, as his No. 3 jersey was retired by the program in January 2022.

To top it all off, the current edition of the Wildcats sent Brunson home happier with an 81-65 victory. The Knicks (30-26) are in the Philadelphia area to battle the 76ers on Friday night at Villanova's part-time home of Wells Fargo Center (7 p.m. ET, MSG). 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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