It’s widely recognized that there are significant incentives tied to winning the NBA Cup, with each player and coach on the victorious team set to receive $500,000. This has the potential to motivate more affluent star players, encouraging them to push for victory so their younger teammates can benefit financially. However, not every player shares that sentiment, including Knicks star Josh Hart.
“I might get a new watch,” Hart stated to reporters, specifically mentioning an Audemars Piguet. “I don’t really care about the young guys getting money. I just care about me, what I’m going to spend… That’s found money so I’ll do something foolish with it.”
Josh Hart was asked if there was anything extra about tonight’s NBA Cup game:
“No. I might get a new watch though” 😂 pic.twitter.com/QLepZzY925
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 4, 2024
In the background, co-star Jalen Brunson could be heard remarking, “f***ing a**hole.”
When Brunson was posed the same question earlier, he emphasized the significance the prize money would hold for younger players, many of whom are more precariously situated on the roster.
“It would mean a lot [to win]. It would mean a lot for us to get [to Las Vegas for the final] and do all that,” he explained. “You have guys on the team who may be on one-year contracts or two-way deals or whatever. And you get to go out there and try to win for them and it means a lot.”
Brunson not only speaks passionately but also demonstrates his commitment through actions. For those unaware, the 28-year-old accepted the largest pay cut in NBA history this past offseason.
In July, Brunson agreed to a four-year extension valued at approximately $156 million, notably around $113 million less than the maximum contract offer he could have pursued had he postponed signing until next offseason.
In terms of Hart’s current situation, he is under a four-year deal worth $81 million and is aiming to boost his earnings should the Knicks triumph in the In-Season Tournament.
For context, players on the second-place team can earn $206,000, while semifinalists take home $103,000 and quarterfinalists receive $51,500.
The Knicks hold a 4-0 record and are set to compete against the Atlanta Hawks on December 11 at 7:00 PM ET, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.
Hart has contributed significantly, recently achieving another triple-double in the Knicks’ 121-106 victory over the Orlando Magic, scoring 11 points, securing 13 rebounds, and providing 10 assists.
This season, Hart leads all guards with an average of 13.7 points and a field goal percentage of 59.3%.
Ultimately, the prize money will likely dictate the quality of watch Hart decides to purchase.
