The Knicks didn’t make the big splash many hoped they would at the trade deadline, but with a lack of assets, it would have been tough to do so.
The Knicks, however, did make a move that has been widely praised when they traded for New Orleans Pelicans’ guard Jose Alvarado.
LeBron James Calls Knicks’ Trade Deadline Acquisition a ‘Perfect Fit’
The Knicks dealt Dalen Terry, cash considerations, and two second-round picks for Alvarado. Alvarado signed a two-year, $9,000,000 contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging $4,500,000 per year. Alvarado has a player option after this season.
Speaking with Steve Nash on “Mind the Game,” they discussed the Knicks’ acquisition of Alvarado.
“That’s going to give the Garden a boost,” Nash said. “This guy another tough, clever player, can give you a spark… I like that.”
James agreed.
“Yeah, I like it. I like it,” James responded. “I mean, you know, everyone knows what he’s about. Winning plays, he’s a winning player. and he’s going to bring energy, effort every time he steps on the floor. He’s going to give his body on, put his body on the line, the garden’s going to love him, the fans are going to love him. He’s from there so it’s a perfect fit, I think.”
Alvarado is a tenacious defender, even earning the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado.” Highlight clips surfaced showing him create steals by coming from behind the opposing ball handler, which helped give him the nickname. That’s part of the reason James and Nash think he will be beloved in New York. He’s also a New York native, hailing from Brooklyn and playing at Christ the King High School in Middle Village.
Alvarado attended Georgia Tech and has played internationally for Puerto Rico. He was even named MVP of one of the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments after helping Puerto Rico defeat both Mexico and Lithuania.
In 2023, he was named the Rising Stars Challenge MVP after hitting the game-winning shot.
Alvarado averaged career highs in points (10.3), assists (4.6), and minutes (24.4) per game last season, but saw those numbers fall this season. In 41 games with zero starts, Alvarado has averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. He’s shooting 41.8% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
With a native New Yorker known for his defensive skills now on the roster, Nash and James are right to believe he will have Madison Square Garden rocking. He should instantly become a fan-favorite in New York and will likely be hated by fans of any of the Knicks’ postseason opponents.
