New York Knicks roster
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks congratulates Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks remain one of the strongest contenders for an NBA Championship. Great play lately shows the Knicks living up to the potential that everyone expected entering the season. New York has leaped over the Cleveland Cavaliers as the current betting favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals.
The trade deadline will see the Knicks trying to improve the roster through some big or small moves. Knicks insider Ian Begley confirmed that New York has interest in one name that may be on the trade block soon. New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado is the name that Begley thinks the Knicks and other teams will want from the league’s worst team.
“The Knicks will be among many teams that are interested in Jose Alvarado if he’s made available,” Begley said. “The interesting thing about Jose is his salary is at $4.5 [million], so salary matching is less difficult at that number.”
Begley added that the defense and ability to contribute effectively off the bench in a limited role are things Knicks love about Alvarado. New Orleans having a fire sale could see many teams interested in a hard-working and unselfish defender.
Why Knicks Want Jose Alvarado
The Knicks have a big decision to make ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline in about two months. Giannis Antetokounmpo has already expressed that New York is his ideal destination if he does request a trade to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.
Management for the Knicks must decide if it’s worth adding one of the top 20 players in NBA history to improve their chances at a title or trusting the chemistry of the current core. Trading for Antetokounmpo means losing multiple important foundation pieces for the roster currently looking good enough to make the Finals.
Role players could be the more ideal path to keep the chemistry and improve the overall depth. Alvarado being a local New York native would make him an instant fan favorite, especially with his style of play giving his all every single night. The Knicks are looking to boost their depth with another player that shows winning matters most to him.
How Pelicans Woes Could Help Knicks
The Pelicans having an entertaining first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns a couple of years ago felt like a coming out party for Alvarado. Unfortunately, New Orleans has fallen apart and failed to build from that promising season of youth and excitement.
Zion Williamson suffering injuries every season ruins the team’s chance at making the playoffs, and this season is a new low. The Pelicans currently have the worst record in the entire NBA, despite their upcoming first-round draft pick going to the Atlanta Hawks.
Alvarado is one of the easiest players to trade away since there’s less risk involved in trading a reserve point guard. Better players on the roster either have injury woes or limited value to make it a tough predicament. The Knicks might be able to take advantage of New Orleans’ ongoing problems to add another rotation player.