Veteran swingman Josh Hart has been the heart and soul of the New York Knicks since arriving in the Big Apple midway through the 2022-23 season.
In two-and-a-half seasons, Hart has averaged 11.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals, doing anything and everything to help the Knicks succeed. Furthermore, Hart has logged more minutes since arriving in New York than any of his teammates, best highlighted by his incredible 42.2 minutes per night in the 2024 playoffs.
All that said, Hart could become indispensable on a Knicks team that added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele this offseason. Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea floated a Knicks trade idea that would land a similar player, but younger, with more upside.
Knicks would receive: Keldon Johnson
Spurs would receive: Josh Hart
How the Knicks Trade Helps
Shea argued that Johnson, a marginally better 3-point shooter than Hart, would fit better on a Knicks team that needs more offense.
“The last New York Knicks title was in 1973. The fans are hungry,” he wrote.
“All Knicks fans and even NBA fans can admit the Nova Knicks Era was cool, but it still seems like the Knicks are missing pieces necessary in order to truly compete for a title. To truly contend, the Knicks may need to part with one of the fan base’s beloved players, Josh Hart. In this deal, they get a true 3 and D player in Keldon Johnson, who gives the Knicks a clear boost on the offensive end. He slots right into the Knicks’ starting lineup alongside Karl Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Og Anuoby, and Mikal Bridges and joins the chase for the Knicks’ 3rd NBA championship.”
Josh Hart Lost Starting Role
As for the Spurs, the writer argued that Hart would be an invaluable addition to a young team that needs a strong locker-room presence and veteran leadership.
“Hart is also well known for his ability to lead by example,” wrote Shea. “He is a hustle player who is an excellent rebounder and a true team player. Especially coming from a Tom Thibodeau-coached team that is known to push its players to the limit, he consistently gave the Knicks everything he had, even when tasked with a lot.
During the 2025 NBA playoffs, ex-Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was forced to swap out Hart for Mitchell Robinson in the series against the Indiana Pacers. While the move was to cover for Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive lapses, Hart became the casualty on a team that already boasts two quality 3&D wings in Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Hart could once again find himself in and out of the starting unit in the 2025-26 season, especially if KAT and Jalen Brunson’s defensive woes persist.
The Knicks are expected to start the season with the same starting unit of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby and Towns, with Clarkson, Yabusele, Robinson and Miles McBride off the bench. The Knicks have only one roster spot left, which they reportedly plan to use on either Ben Simmons or Landry Shamet. They have also been linked with sharpshooter Malik Beasley, who is no longer under federal investigation for gambling.
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