Jason Hart Going to the Kings

Bobcats close to trading Jason Hart

Point guard would go to Kings

RICK BONNELL

Staff Writer


One year after the Charlotte Bobcats signed Jason Hart to be their starting point guard, he appears headed to Sacramento.

The Bobcats are close to a deal that would move Hart to the Sacramento Kings for a future second-round pick, a team source confirmed Tuesday. This move reinforces how intent the Bobcats are to install rookie Raymond Felton as their starting point guard.

Moving Hart would free up more than $3 million on the salary cap over the next two seasons. Hart was the Bobcats' first free-agent signing last July when he accepted a three-year deal worth nearly $5 million.

Hart started several exhibitions before being overtaken by Brevin Knight. He still made 27 starts as either point or shooting guard.

He finished the season averaging 9.5 points and 5.0 assists. Then Charlotte used the fifth overall pick on Felton, a three-year starter at North Carolina. Coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff has called developing Felton a team priority.

Bickerstaff, who could not be reached Tuesday night, has said he hopes to re-sign Knight, an unrestricted free agent. He sees Knight as a mentor to Felton.

No trade or veteran signing can happen before the NBA and the players association finalize the new collective-bargaining agreement, expected to happen next week.

I think it's a good move by the Kings to replace the Backup PG spot of Bobby Jackson.

Fair deal for both i guess. 9.5 points and 5.0 assists is pretty good. Speaking Knight, i think he's a little underrated.He'll be a good back up for Felton. Didn't Knight make 20+ assists one game?

Didn't Knight make 20+ assists one game?

Yes, he did. On Jan 11, Knight has 20 assists in a loss against the Cavs, 98-100. Knight also has 15pts, 3rbs and 2stls.

Another shooter in the Kings.

Hart to backup Bibby.

Another shooter in the Kings.

Shooter? Hart is not really classified as a shooter by any means...

Really? I didnt know that. I just saw him in a preseaspn game hitting a three against the Wiz to send the game into overtime.

If that isnt good. I dont know what is.

Meh, Maggette hit a three to take a game into overtime vs the Heat, he's not really a three point shooter either. Hart is a nice player though, very quick and agile PG, and he has good passing skills. He also has some nice defensive ability...

9 and 5 are solid numbers for a backup point guard. Charlotte can spare him, Sacramento could use him. A minor trade that's mutually beneficial; better than a blockbuster that makes no sense.

I'd have to agree with you there Andrew....I would call this trade "an addition by subtraction" trade....it's better to have Felton and Knight rather than those 2 AND Hart all having to share minute and all getting unhappy with this fact....that's why the Bobcats released House last season

all i can say is good trade 4 kings

Yeah it's truly a good trade for both teams.

The trade is now official. Sacramento acquires Jason Hart from Charlotte in exchange for a 2006 or 2007 second-round draft pick.