The New York Knicks have made a noteworthy addition to their roster by acquiring point guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans. In exchange, they are sending Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash to the Pelicans, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
This transaction follows the update regarding Knicks guard Miles McBride, who has undergone core muscle surgery and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. His absence could impact the Knicks’ playoff hopes, making the acquisition of a reliable point guard essential. McBride has been a vital contributor to New York’s rotation this season.
The Knicks have been pursuing Alvarado for several months, hoping to bolster their backcourt behind star point guard Jalen Brunson. With McBride recovering from surgery, the team recognized the immediate need for a capable backup. Tyler Kolek has been filling in, but Alvarado represents a significant upgrade to the bench unit.
Initially, the Pelicans appeared reluctant to part with any players this season. However, the potential draft capital secured by the Knicks in this deal seems to have shifted New Orleans’ stance. In a previous trade earlier in the week, the Knicks traded Guerschon Yabusele for Terry, which created the necessary cap space to absorb Alvarado’s $4.5 million player option for the next season.
Since entering the NBA in 2021, Alvarado has established himself as a tenacious defender and a gritty performer, despite being undrafted. Often dubbed “Grand Theft Alvarado,” he has gained recognition for his uncanny ability to steal inbounds passes at pivotal moments. His impressive stats include 71 steals in the backcourt since the beginning of his NBA career, ranking him second only to T.J. McConnell in that timeframe.
Starting with a two-way deal in New Orleans, Alvarado has worked his way to a standard contract after showcasing his skills. He signed an extension with the Pelicans last season and retains a player option worth $4.5 million for next year, providing the Knicks with a valuable asset as they aim for a deep playoff run.
In summary, the Knicks’ trade for Jose Alvarado comes at a crucial time, addressing their need for depth in the backcourt amid McBride’s recovery. The addition of Alvarado not only strengthens the Knicks’ roster but also underscores their commitment to competing in the playoff picture this season.