Just over a year after they sent a conditional first-round pick to Atlanta to get him, the Knicks are moving on from Cam Reddish, the No. 10 pick in the 2019 Draft.
New York sent Reddish and a conditional first-rounder to the Portland Trail Blazers to get Josh Hart. Hart is a bit undersized at forward at 6’5″, but he’s a good defender and rebounder, whose mentality fits into what Tom Thibodeau wants from his players.
Hart played 51 games for the Blazers this year after coming over from New Orleans in the C.J. McCollum trade last season. After that deal, he and Larry Nance Jr., former teammates on the Lakers, swapped houses.
This could be a sign that Portland doesn’t see itself as a contender this year, despite Damian Lillard’s recent excellence. They get to take a flyer on Reddish, who is a restricted free agent this summer, while adding a pick.
Hart’s unique contract is also a factor. This year’s contract was non-guaranteed, but Portland chose to guarantee it. Next year, Hart has a player option. This could be a rental, but the Knicks would retain Hart’s Bird rights if they want to keep him around.
While his three-point shooting has been rough this year, Hart is a career 34.3 percent shooter from deep, roughly average, and he doesn’t need the ball in his hands. That’s the kind of player who can fit in on any team, but especially one like the Knicks, who have Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to handle the scoring, not to mention R.J. Barrett.
As for Reddish, it’s hard to tell what his future is, but the Blazers get two months to evaluate him to decide. It didn’t work out alongside Duke teammate Barrett, but perhaps he’ll thrive with Dame Time.
If not, Reddish will be left with a dubious legacy: The guy Atlanta gave up Luka Doncic for.
