Knicks, Josh Hart 'Finalizing' Extension; How Long, How Much?

New York Knicks trade deadline acquisition Josh Hart seems poised to extend his stay.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks and Josh Hart are "finalizing" a four-year, $81 million contract extension that will keep the former Portland Trail Blazer in blue and orange through the 2027-28 season.

One of the newest Knicks after coming over from the Pacific Northwest in a trade deadline deal, Hart made an immediate impact on New York basketball, averaging 10.2 points and seven rebounds upon reuniting with former collegiate teammate Jalen Brunson. Hart's efforts allowed the Knicks to clinch the fifth seed on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket after dangerous flirting with Play-In Tournament purgatory, as New York went 17-8 when he was in the lineup.

During his time in New York, Hart never hesitated to express his desire to make Manhattan home, an understandable dream after working through three teams in his first six seasons (LA Lakers, New Orleans, Portland). Though he previously hinted he'd turn it down ... and his play likely exceeded the salary ... Hart was convinced to play this upcoming season on a $12.9 player option on the contract that came over from Portland.

His efforts at the end of the 2022-23 season have been rewarded with inclusion among the United States' men's national basketball team's journey to the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in Asia. Hart did not play in the exhibition opener on Monday night, a 117-74 win over Puerto Rico in Las Vegas, due to "rest," an apparent precaution before his long-term deal was finalized. 

With his extension inked, Hart will potentially play in Team USA's next World Cup tune-up exhibition, which lands on Saturday in Spain against Slovenia (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1).

---

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Knicks? Click Here.

Follow AllKnicks.com on Twitter.