The New York Knicks boast one of the more star-studded rosters in the NBA and have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Riding four straight wins, they look the part of title contenders.
However, they are far from perfect. They are 27th in bench points, a middling second-unit shooting team, and their perimeter defense is limited.
The Knicks have no need to pull off a blockbuster trade, but recent rumors point to one clear addition, and they may be able to get him for less than expected.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 25: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans defends against Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 25, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Should Trade for Jose Alvarado
For the last five seasons, Jose Alvarado has been a bright spot for the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a scrappy, defensive-minded point guard who has slowly improved as a shooter.
However, with recent additions of Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Jeremiah Fears, Alvarado’s role is decreasing, and he could be traded.
“Multiple teams have expressed interest in Jose Alvarado through the years,” reported NBA insider Brett Siegel for ClutchPoints.
The Knicks boast a top-ten bench defensive rating, although Jalen Brunson’s on-ball defense isn’t great. New York could add Alvarado to help their backcourt defense and provide some much-needed traditional point guard play for the second unit.
“The sudden retirement of Malcolm Brogdon—who, for the record, did not look great in preseason—left the Knicks without a (theoretically) dependable offensive organizer coming off the bench,” wrote FanSided’s Dan Favale on November 9th. “Deuce McBride and Jordan Clarkson are eating up the lion’s share of the second-string backcourt minutes. Neither is what you’d call a floor general.”
Favale did point out that Alvarado is not an elite facilitator (career average of 3.1 assists per game), but he can play both on and off-ball. The Pelicans aren’t using him to the best of his abilities, and the Knicks have a player who fits the bill.
Mock Trade Sends Jose Alvarado to New York Knicks
While Alvarado is being mismanaged by the Pelicans, the same could be said of Guerschon Yabusele on the Knicks. After a breakout season with the Philadelphia 76ers, New York signed him to a two-year deal this summer.
He is playing under 10 minutes per game. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him well.
Full Mock Trade Details
- New York Knicks receive: Jose Alvarado
- New Orleans Pelicans receive: Guerschon Yabusele, 2026 first-round pick (via WSH, protected top-eight), 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick (most favorable of IND or PHX)
In New York, Alvarado would play a much bigger role than he does on this season’s Pelicans. Yabusele, meanwhile, would form a very physical frontcourt with Zion Williamson (when healthy), Yves Missi, Kevon Looney, DeAndre Jordan, and rookie Derik Queen.
While this trade doesn’t elevate the Knicks to championship frontrunners, it does give them a boost with little cost sunk into the deal.
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