Jalen Brunson, Tyus Jones, Knicks
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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks in action against Tyus Jones of the Orlando Magic.
The New York Knicks’ ongoing search for another reliable ball handler to ease the burden on All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson has resurfaced a familiar name — and possibly reopened a door the franchise nearly walked through last summer.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Orlando Magic have begun exploring trade scenarios involving reserve point guard Tyus Jones, a development that has put multiple contenders on alert as the trade deadline approaches.
“Sources say that the Magic have called several teams to explore the prospect of swapping reserve guard Tyus Jones for some second-round draft capital,” Fischer reported Tuesday in The Stein Line.
Jones, a steady veteran floor general with a reputation for efficiency and ball security, had previously been linked to New York during the 2024 offseason — and remains an organizational fit for a Knicks team seeking stability behind Brunson.
Knicks Nearly Signed Tyus Jones During 2024 Free Agency
Jones, 29, came close to landing in New York two summers ago before ultimately signing elsewhere. SNY’s Ian Begley reported in August 2024 that the Knicks made a serious push to sign Jones, though their financial limitations proved restrictive.
“He was considering their offer (roughly two years, $10 million) as he navigated the offseason,” Begley wrote. “Jones also had at least one other offer on the table worth significantly more than the Knicks’ proposal.”
Begley added that Jones had potential sign-and-trade scenarios with Washington, as well as a re-sign-and-trade possibility that could have positioned him for a midseason move.
Ultimately, Jones signed a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, where he started 58 of 81 games and provided dependable production in a high-usage environment.
Now, with Orlando reportedly open to moving him for draft compensation, Jones has again become relevant for teams — like the Knicks — looking for playoff-ready backcourt depth.
Jose Alvarado Homecoming?
While Jones is back on the radar, the Knicks have also been monitoring New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, a Brooklyn native known for his defensive intensity and high-energy style.
The Athletic’s James Edwards III previously reported a strong interest from New York.
“New York, per league sources, has shown interest in the feisty guard,” Edwards wrote last week. “Alvarado really applies pressure on ballhandlers night in and night out. He’s one of those infectious players, similar to Hart, whose plays radiate throughout the rest of the group.”
Alvarado’s style is much needed for the Knicks, who have lost their defensive identity under Mike Brown, making him an appealing target if New York prioritizes point-of-attack defense over traditional playmaking.
Yabusele on Trade Block
Any guard acquisition would likely be facilitated by moving Guerschon Yabusele’s $5.5 million contract, which the Knicks view as a movable salary slot.
Begley addressed the situation during a January 13 episode of The Putback, signaling that a trade is increasingly likely.
“It seems like this is headed towards the Knicks finding a trade partner on Yabusele and sending him somewhere where he’s got a chance to play, because his minutes just haven’t come consistently here,” Begley said. “This was the Knicks’ top free-agent signing, and it hasn’t worked out for either side.”
Begley added that Alvarado remains firmly in New York’s sights.
“It’s going to continue to be there until the Knicks either make a move that rules out Alvarado or New Orleans deals him somewhere else.”
Knicks Also Exploring Frontcourt Depth Options
While guard help has drawn headlines, Fischer also reported Thursday that New York is also evaluating its frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
“Chatter about the Knicks’ interest in veteran guard help has been prevalent since the offseason,” Fischer wrote, “but I also keep hearing that they have been exploring their options to bolster frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson as well.”
With championship aspirations and a compressed Eastern Conference race, the Knicks appear poised to remain active — whether that means adding another ball handler, a defensive disruptor, or reinforcement in the paint.
What remains clear is that New York is positioning itself for flexibility, intent on improving around Brunson while preserving its long-term core — and that makes names like Jones and Alvarado increasingly relevant as the deadline nears.