Is Josh Hart The Knicks' Most Likely Trade Piece?

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 23, 2025

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Is Josh Hart the Knicks' Most Likely Trade Piece?

The New York Knicks find themselves in a fascinating position heading into the NBA trade deadline. While exceeding expectations this season, the team's playoff aspirations hinge on making the right moves. One name consistently surfacing in trade rumors is Josh Hart, the versatile wing player who has quickly become a fan favorite. But is he the most likely Knick to be dealt before the deadline? Let's delve into the possibilities.

Hart's Value and Trade Appeal:

Josh Hart brings a unique blend of skills to the Knicks. His defensive intensity, hustle, and ability to contribute across the board make him a valuable asset. He's a proven playoff performer, having played significant minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans. This experience makes him highly attractive to contending teams looking for a reliable role player who can elevate their game in crunch time. His contract is also manageable, making him a financially appealing trade option.

• Strengths: Robust defense, hustle, rebounding, reliable three-point shooting, veteran leadership.
• Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent offensively, not a primary scoring option.

Why Hart Might Be Traded:

The Knicks' current roster construction presents a potential logjam at the wing position. With RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley already vying for minutes, adding another significant player could disrupt team chemistry and playing time. Trading Hart could address this imbalance while simultaneously acquiring assets to bolster other areas of the team. The Knicks might be looking to address their center position or potentially add a proven scorer.

Why Hart Might Stay:

Despite the potential logjam, Hart's intangibles are invaluable. His leadership, defensive prowess, and overall team-first attitude are contagious. He has quickly become a crucial part of the Knicks' culture, and losing him could significantly impact team morale. Moreover, his trade value might not be as high as the Knicks hope, leading them to retain him. They may be looking for a significant return before parting with a player of his caliber.

Other Potential Trade Candidates:

While Hart is prominently featured in trade discussions, other Knicks players could also be moved. Players like Obi Toppin or Evan Fournier could be considered depending on the available offers. However, Hart's versatility and proven playoff experience make him a more attractive commodity on the trade market.

Conclusion: A Likely, but Not Certain, Trade:

Based on the current situation, Josh Hart appears to be a strong candidate for a trade. His value, the Knicks’ roster composition, and the potential need to improve other areas of the team all point towards this possibility. However, the final decision will depend on the offers the Knicks receive and their overall assessment of their playoff chances. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Hart's future in New York. Stay tuned for updates as the trade deadline approaches!

Call to Action: What do you think? Will Josh Hart be traded? Share your predictions in the comments below!