尼克斯暂停续约谈判，哈特与布伦森回应

Josh Hart entered the 2026 offseason hoping to get a contract extension from the New York Knicks before the 2026-27 NBA season began, but things haven’t panned out as he’d have liked. On Friday, the Knicks announced they won’t negotiate contract extensions until later in the season, as they looked to eliminate a huge distraction before commencing their title defense.

This would have been a blow to extension-eligible players like Hart, but he insisted all was still well when speaking to the media on Saturday.

“Everything is going to work out,” Hart said, via SNY Knicks. “I mean, I’m not really too stressed over it… Obviously, we have high expectations, so it’s good we are able to focus on the season and keep it moving.”

On media day, Hart made it clear he would love to get an extension from the Knicks as soon as possible. The 31-year-old added he would give his all on the court regardless, but acknowledged it would be a “different conversation” if no agreement were struck by February.

Hart has two years left on his contract, with the Knicks having a $22.3 million team option for 2027-28. He has been eligible for a four-year extension worth as much as $132 million, but will likely settle for less. The question is how much.

Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game for the Knicks in 2025-26. He is that “glue guy” every team needs and has become a fan favorite in New York. Hart’s response when asked if it’s frustrating to see the contract situation spill into the season further explains why the fanbase loves him.

“Nah, because at the end of the day, I’m still under contract in New York,” Hart said. “We have a hell of a team that’s going to try and repeat, and I’m in an amazing situation off the court. So nah, it’s not frustrating. Obviously, you want to get some of those things done, but if it doesn’t, it’s nothing you lose sleep over. We’re blessed to be out here playing basketball for a living.”

According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, Hart added that there will be days when he doesn’t think about the contract and others when it’s at the top of his mind. It’s just human nature. Hart, whom the Knicks acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, is keeping it real.

Now it will be interesting to see how Karl-Anthony Towns reacts to this decision made by the Knicks. Unlike Hart, Towns openly expressed frustration over extension talks. The big man also made it clear there would be “uncomfortability” if talks with the Knicks dragged into the season, which is exactly what has happened.

So, Towns’ reaction might be quite different from Hart’s. Time will tell. To go with these two, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are also eligible for extensions.

Jalen Brunson Expects Professionalism From His Teammates Despite Contract Talks Being On Hold

While the Knicks are a tight-knit bunch, Hart and Jalen Brunson, who were teammates and roommates at Villanova, have perhaps the strongest bond. Brunson was asked on Saturday how he expects his good friend to handle not getting an extension.

“He’s going to be a professional,” Brunson said, via SNY Knicks. “… Not just him, everybody. Everyone’s going to be professional and continue to do their jobs. I mean, no matter what the situation is, things are going to happen. There’s always going to be a rollercoaster of a season. Ups and downs emotionally or whatever.

“But no matter what, when we’re out there on the court, we’re all going to have each other’s back regardless,” Brunson added.

While Hart and Towns’ contract talks have dragged on, Brunson’s aren’t expected to in 2027. The three-time All-Star is likely to receive a four-year, $290 million extension. The front office has to plan around that as they look to avoid the second apron, and this has complicated extension talks with Towns and Hart.

This is not how you want to go into a season after winning a championship, but Brunson expects everyone to have each other’s backs as they look to defend the crown.