Knicks make a win-now move to acquire Josh Hart as their backup wing. While the Blazers make use of Hart's expiring contract.
Photo By: Katelyn Mulcahy (Getty Images North America)
The Portland Trail Blazers are set to trade Josh Hart to the New York Knicks, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski Wednesday night.
In exchange, New York will send Cam Reddish, Ryan Arcidiacono, Svi Mykhailiuk, and a protected first-round pick to Portland in 2023, sources say. The lottery-protected selection will be his four selections for future second rounds if not submitted this year.
This trade will take place the night before the NBA Trade Deadline.
Hart, who will now play for his 4th NBA franchise, is averaging 9.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season with the Trail Blazers. He appeared in all 51 games for the team, starting every time, averaging a career-best 33.4 minutes. Exactly one year ago, Hart was dealt to Portland as apart of the C.J. McCollum deal.
Hart, 27, is one of the best rebounders in the league and has multiple positions to defend. His 8.2 boards is the most for a player under 6-foot-5. He also leads his NBA in offensive rebounds per game for players 6'5 and under.
Offensively, Hart is a good facilitator and shoots over 70% at the rim. His 3-point attempts, however, have declined sharply this season, down to less than 3 per game after averaging 4 in 2021-22. The has made $12.9 million this season, and there are options for him as a player for the same amount next season. If he takes advantage of the return option by June 25th, his contract is no longer guaranteed.
The deal will reunite him with Villanova's former teammate, Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson. The duo helped the Wildcats win a national title in 2016.
Branson was retiring the No. 1 jersey at halftime of Villanova's game against DePaul on Wednesday night. After the ceremony, he was first seen on video learning about the trade and exclaiming:
"yes!"
Reddish, 23, was looking for new opportunities after being dropped from the Knicks rotation. New York acquired Duke's product in a deal with the Hawks last year, but Reddish said he hasn't appeared in a game since December 3 and hasn't appeared in a game since November. 18
His 10th draft pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, his Reddish has struggled to find consistent playing time throughout his career but has shown potential as a goalscorer at various points. rice field. Reddish is averaging 8.4 points per game with his close to 45% shooting percentage from the field. He is in the final year of his rookie season and is set to enter restricted free agency this summer.
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