Overview

• Sports Illustrated's Dave Holcomb proposed a one-for-one concept sending Josh Hart to Houston for Tari Eason with no draft picks attached.
• Empire Sports Media and The Sporting News both presented the scenario as a hypothetical exercise rather than an active negotiation.
• The appeal for New York centers on salary relief, with reports noting Hart is set to make roughly $19 million next season while the Knicks sit about $3.7 million below the second apron and Eason remains on a rookie deal.
• Backers of the idea highlight Eason's age (24), size and defensive impact after a season averaging about 12 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
• Given Hart's elite rebounding, defense and locker-room presence, coverage expects the Knicks to start the season with him, and some analysis notes a simple one-for-one may not satisfy salary-matching rules.