The New York Knicks are adding reinforcements to their roster this deadline as they look to make another serious run at the Eastern Conference crown.
With the Boston Celtics neck and neck with the Knicks this year, any move that New York makes will be dutifully observed by Boston as it looks ahead to a potential playoff series down the line.
On Thursday, the Knicks added a gritty competitor who could make an impact in such a series. New York traded for veteran guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Alvarado has carved out a notable role in the NBA since entering the league undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2021. Signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans, he quickly earned a reputation for his tenacious defense and quick hands, often disrupting opponents with sneaky steals that earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado.”
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Over five seasons, he has appeared in 268 games, averaging 8.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 35.1% from beyond the arc. His energy off the bench proved vital during the Pelicans’ playoff runs, including their 2022 postseason appearance where he contributed timely scoring and playmaking.
Alvarado’s development from a G League standout to a reliable rotation player reflects his work ethic, with career highs in assists (4.6 per game in 2024-25) showing growth in facilitating offenses.
In the 2025-26 season, Alvarado continued as a spark plug for New Orleans, playing in 41 games through early February. He averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 21.9 minutes per outing, maintaining efficiency with a 36.3% three-point mark.
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The Knicks represent a new chapter for the 27-year-old guard as he joins a contending squad in need of backcourt depth.
Featured image via Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
