BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
NBA Rumors: Latest Knicks report gives positive insight on Josh Hart, Immanuel Quickley’s future
Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart have both been instrumental off the bench during the New York Knicks’ hot streak since the All-Star break. Hart has fit right in with the team since being traded from the Trail Blazers and Quickley is a frontrunner to win Sixth Man of the Year.
Knicks fans want to see both Quickley and Hart remain in NYC for a few more years. Hart is expected to decline his $12.96 million player option for 2023-24 and enter free agency this summer while Quickley will become extension eligible. At this point, it seems impossible for them to not be in the Knicks’ long-term plan.
Hart has been vocal about wanting to stay in New York and the organization picked up Quickley’s fourth-year option earlier in the season. The Knicks’ No. 25 pick will be in New York for at least another season, but the front office could sign both him and Hart to new contracts during the offseason. Here’s the good news.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Hart is expected to decline his player option and re-sign with the Knicks. SNY’s Ian Begley, who was a guest on Scotto’s podcast, gave his guess on what might happen with Quickley this summer.
“I think the Knicks, and just my guess, would be the Knicks would have to come with something significant to lock it in (an extension). I think they would and would be smart to (do so). Given how things have gone to this point, I don’t think you’re going to get a home team discount for extending Quickley.”
Josh Hart reportedly expected to sign contract with Knicks in free agency, Immanuel Quickley extension speculation
When the Knicks sent a protected first-round pick to the Trail Blazers alongside Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Ryan Arcidiacono, the front office made a commitment to Josh Hart. Leon Rose wouldn’t have made that move and sent a pick to Portland without considering Hart’s contract and future.
Hart’s the perfect Tom Thibodeau player and he’s turned out to be a piece that the team didn’t know they were missing. For all of the talk about New York potentially trading for a star ahead of the deadline, Hart has elevated the Knicks’ roster himself.
As for Immanuel Quickley, the player that New York was reportedly listening to trade offers (subscription required) for earlier this season, he’s earned an extension. Although the organization is trying to keep as much cap space clear as possible to either make a trade or sign a player in free agency (ie: the 2024 class), the Knicks would be wise to give IQ a new contract during the offseason. You don’t want to risk losing a player like him. He’s only 23, too. The best is still yet to come for IQ.
If New York can re-sign Hart and give Quickley a new extension this summer, fans will be thrilled. Keep building on what you have until the right move comes along.
