NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans have signed restricted free agent Josh Hart to a three-year extension worth up to $38 million with $12 million guaranteed.
The club announced the signing without providing terms, but a person familiar with the situation provided the length and value of the contract to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms have not been announced.
New Orleans acquired Hart from the Lakers as part of a three-team trade in 2019 that sent star forward Anthony Davis to Los Angeles and sent Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and multiple draft picks to the Pelicans.
Ball, who also was a restricted free agent this offseason, was dealt to Chicago in an Aug. 2 sign-and-trade that sent Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky to New Orleans.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Hart has played primarily shooting guard and small forward.
Last season, he averaged 9.2 points, eight rebounds and 2.3 assists in 47 games before a hand injury sidelined him for the final 25 games on the schedule.
Hart routinely received playing time late in close games, regularly contributing timely 3-pointers, fast-break layups and rebounds.
“Josh brings tenacity, competitiveness and infectious energy to our team every time he steps on the court,” said Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
“We are excited to welcome him back and grateful that he wanted to continue his evolution with our Pelicans family.”
Hart, who was originally acquired by New Orleans from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a three-team trade on July 6, 2019, appeared in 47 games (four starts) for the Pelicans last season, averaging 9.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 28.7 minutes per game.
Selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Hart has appeared in 242 games (65 starts) with the Lakers and Pelicans over four seasons, holding career averages of 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 26.0 minutes per contest.
The Silver Spring, Maryland native appeared in 146 games (77 starts) over four collegiate seasons at Villanova University, averaging 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 28.0 minutes.
As a senior, Hart was named the Big East Player of the Year after averaging 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists during the 2016-17 season.
Hart was the 30th overall pick in the 2017 draft out of Villanova. He has payed in 242 games with 65 starts in four pro seasons, averaging 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 26 minutes.
