The New York Knicks have already made one important decision regarding their extension-eligible players this offseason. Now, Josh Hart could be next.
Hart became eligible for a contract extension on Aug. 10, and recent reporting suggests the Knicks are more likely to reach a new deal with Hart than with Miles McBride. For a team coming off its first championship in 53 years, deciding which members of its core to lock up long-term could be one of the most important parts of the offseason.
Hart is entering the 2026-27 season on the final guaranteed year of his current contract, which will pay him approximately $20.9 million. The Knicks also hold a team option worth roughly $22.4 million for 2027-28. Despite already having control of Hart for at least another season, New York could look to secure his future now rather than wait.
What Could a Hart Extension Look Like?
There is a wide range of possibilities for Hart’s next contract.
Under NBA extension rules, Hart could theoretically sign a four-year extension worth up to approximately $132 million. That number, however, represents the maximum he could receive — not what the Knicks are expected to offer.
A more realistic projection has Hart landing around three years and $54-$62 million, putting his average annual salary between $18 million and just over $20 million.
That type of deal would give Hart long-term security while allowing New York to avoid another massive contract as they continue navigating an expensive roster.
And Hart has certainly earned a significant raise. Last season, he averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field. His value, however, goes well beyond his scoring. Hart has become one of New York’s most important rebounders, defenders, and energy players while serving as one of the team’s veteran leaders.
His importance became even more evident during the Knicks’ championship run, when he repeatedly provided crucial rebounding and defensive plays throughout the postseason.
Why Deuce Matters
Hart’s extension situation becomes even more interesting because of what the Knicks just decided to do with McBride.
McBride was also eligible for an extension this offseason, but New York chose not to give him one before the Aug. 11 deadline. McBride is entering the final season of his three-year, $13 million contract and is scheduled to make less than $4 million in 2026-27.
The decision does not necessarily mean the Knicks don’t view McBride as part of their future. Instead, it gives them flexibility.
An extension would have triggered a six-month trade restriction. By keeping McBride on his current contract, New York can still use his extremely team-friendly deal in a potential trade during the season.
That flexibility could be valuable for a Knicks team trying to improve a championship roster.
McBride has also become considerably more valuable since signing his current contract. He averaged 12.0 points per game while shooting 41.3% from three last season, making his bargain contract one of the more attractive assets on New York’s roster.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Hart is more likely to receive an extension than McBride, making the contrast between the two situations particularly notable.
KAT Could Change Everything
Towns is the Knicks’ second superstar behind Jalen Brunson, and his next contract is by far the biggest financial decision facing the organization.
If Towns declines his $62 million-plus player option for 2027-28, he could become eligible for a four-year extension worth roughly $272 million. That’s the kind of contract that could dramatically change New York’s payroll for years to come.
The good news for Knicks fans is that there is already a precedent for a superstar taking less to keep the team together.
Brunson famously chose a four-year, $156.5 million extension in 2024 rather than waiting for a potential five-year supermax that could have been worth more than $269 million. That decision gave New York additional flexibility to build the roster that eventually won the championship.
Now, there is growing hope that Towns could follow a similar path.
Towns has previously spoken about being willing to sacrifice financially to keep a championship-caliber team together, saying that everyone would have to get in a room and agree to make sacrifices if they wanted to keep the group intact.
That sentiment has already fueled speculation around his next contract. Brian Windhorst reported that if Towns and Hart were willing to take a haircut over multiple seasons, the Knicks could potentially keep their core together for several more years. If Towns instead demands the full maximum, maintaining the roster becomes considerably more difficult.
Hart Could Be Next
The Knicks still have financial decisions to make, and that could influence how much New York is willing to commit to Hart.
Still, early indications suggest Hart is in a strong position to receive a new deal.
A contract in the neighborhood of three years and $60 million would seem to make sense for both sides. Hart would receive significant guaranteed money and remain with the team through another important portion of its championship window, while the Knicks would retain one of the players who helped define their identity without committing to an enormous long-term contract.
The Knicks have already chosen flexibility over certainty with Deuce McBride. Now, they have to decide whether Josh Hart is worth doing the opposite for.
After passing on Deuce, Hart could be the next member of the Knicks’ championship core to get paid.
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