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Knicks Eye Pelicans Guard for Trade Deadline Boost
9 Jan
Summary
- Knicks show interest in Pelicans' Jose Alvarado for trade.
- Alvarado offers defensive pressure but reduces backcourt size.
- Trade could involve Guerschon Yabusele and draft picks.
The New York Knicks are actively exploring trade options, with New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado emerging as a key target. Sources indicate New York's interest in Alvarado, whose tenacious on-ball defense and high-energy play are seen as potential assets in their competitive Eastern Conference landscape. Alvarado's style is described as infectious, capable of energizing his team, much like teammate Josh Hart.
While Alvarado's defensive intensity is appealing, concerns exist about how his addition would impact the Knicks' backcourt size. The league features formidable lead initiators like Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown, and Alvarado's defensive effectiveness against such players is a subject of debate. To facilitate a trade, the Knicks might offer Guerschon Yabusele along with several second-round draft picks, though this package may not be sufficient for the Pelicans.
The NBA trade deadline is set for February 5. Alvarado, an undrafted success story from Georgia Tech, has become a valuable contributor for the Pelicans since 2021, averaging 8.2 points and 1.2 steals per game. Other players reportedly on the Knicks' radar include Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis and Toronto Raptors wing Ochai Agbaji.
