Knicks acquire Jose Alvarado in trade with Pelicans
Hours before Thursday’s trade deadline, the New York Knicks snuck in a deal to acquire point guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round selections, and cash.
The Knicks had been internally pushing to land Alvarado to have a dependable playmaker off the bench behind star point guard Jalen Brunson. The 27-year-old brings stout defense and playmaking as a ballhandler.
New York moved quickly to land Alvarado after guard Miles McBridge underwent core muscle surgery that is expected to keep him off the floor for an extended stretch that could put his status for the playoffs in question.
Alvarado should immediately step into a significant role that could provide the stability they have needed in the backcourt off the bench. In 41 games, he is averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals while shooting 41.8 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc.
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He had inked an extension with New Orleans last season and holds a $4.5 million player option for next season. It’s a fresh opportunity for him to latch himself to a playoff contender while being a difference maker that could help elevate his new team to a deep postseason run.
New York sits in the second spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 33-18 record behind an eight-game winning streak. The Knicks are 4.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons for the top overall spot in the East.
