Josh Hart's NBA career hangs in the balance due to a severe finger injury that requires a joint replacement.
- Josh Hart's finger injury requires a joint replacement, ending his NBA career.
- Hart suffered the injury during the 2025 Eastern Conference finals.
- He will continue to play with a splint or wrapping his finger.
Josh Hart's NBA career is in jeopardy due to a severe finger injury that requires a joint replacement, an operation that would end his playing days. The story was first reported by nba.com.
Hart, 31, is fresh off an NBA championship and is not done playing, but the injury has deteriorated over the past season.
The Injury Timeline
Hart suffered the injury during the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, when the Knicks faced the Indiana Pacers.
He underwent offseason surgery after the series, but aggravated the finger while guarding Knicks wing Mikal Bridges during an inter-squad scrimmage that summer.
This summer, doctors gave him the news that he required a joint replacement, which would prevent him from ever playing again.
The Impact on His Game
In spite of the injury, Hart posted the best-shooting season of his career in 2025-26, most notably nailing a career-high 41 percent of his 3-point attempts during the regular season.
His effective field-goal percentage, a statistic that accounts for the value of 2-pointers versus 3-pointers, was the best of his career, as well.
The Future with the Knicks
Hart is eligible for an extension with the Knicks, but on media day, he said he 'didn't think it will get done.'
The Knicks are scheduled to pay him $43.3 million over the next two seasons, including a team option for $22.4 million for 2027-28.
The Next Development
The next development in Hart's situation will be the outcome of his contract negotiations with the Knicks.
According to sources close to the team, the Knicks are willing to work with Hart to find a solution that works for both parties, but the injury has complicated the negotiations.
Hart's agent, Jason Levien, has been in talks with the Knicks' front office to discuss the possibility of a buyout or a trade, but no deal has been reached yet.
The Knicks' decision to extend Hart's contract will depend on various factors, including his performance on the court and the team's salary cap situation.
As Hart continues to play with a splint or wrapping his finger, the Knicks will closely monitor his progress and adjust their strategy accordingly.
The outcome of Hart's contract negotiations will be a crucial factor in determining the future of his NBA career.
It's worth noting that Hart's injury is not just a physical setback, but also a financial one. The Knicks' decision to extend his contract will have significant implications for his future earnings, and Hart's agent will likely be pushing for a deal that takes into account the injury and its impact on his career.
The NBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provides for a variety of rules and regulations regarding player contracts, including provisions for injured players. The CBA allows teams to reduce a player's salary if they are unable to play due to injury, and Hart's situation may be subject to these rules.
In addition to the contract negotiations, Hart's injury has also raised questions about his long-term health and well-being. A joint replacement is a significant surgery, and Hart will need to carefully consider his options and weigh the risks and benefits of continuing to play.
The outcome of Hart's situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and will have significant implications for the Knicks and the NBA as a whole.
