Josh Hart has likely played his final game for the New Orleans Pelicans this season.
He suffered a torn ligament in his thumb that will be re-evaluated in three weeks, but all signs point to him missing the rest of the season.
This is a big blow to the New Orleans Pelicans, who are going through myriad injuries right now and really need Hart’s energy and production off the bench.
He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and there has long been speculation about whether the Pelicans will re-sign him or not.
He has been their best bench player all season but may have priced himself out of the Pels’ range depending on what other moves they make in the offseason.
So how will this injury affect Josh Hart’s value on the open market? First, let’s take a look at some of the other players who will be free agents this offseason.
New Orleans Pelicans: Restricted free agent shooting guards
Josh Hart’s value won’t just be determined by his points and rebounds, but by who else is on the market.
The restricted free agent market for shooting guards is pretty thin, which is bad news for the Pelicans, as there will be fewer guys for teams to try and lock up with “poison pill” offers that the Pels don’t want to match.
Josh Hart and Gary Trent Jr. are the top-two restricted free agent shooting guards and both will get substantial attention from their current teams as well as others who want to pry them away.
Malik Monk will also be out there. Hamidou Diallo will get some looks after an ascending season and Kendrick Nunn is almost certain to get an offer from Miami as well as other teams looking for his services.
The problem with making offers to restricted free agents is that teams then have to wait for an answer before they can pursue other guys. Luckily there are plenty of unrestricted free agents who will take some attention off of Hart.