It appears the Knicks could look to make some notable moves in the coming weeks, as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
Whether they shake up the roster with a massive trade or they just make a smaller addition, the Knicks will be surveying their options to keep them a contender in the East once the playoffs begin.
A player in recent rumors has come up as a trade candidate, who could be an affordable option for the Knicks, while having the potential to be a major difference maker.
What fan-favorite player are the Knicks interested in?
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Knicks are a team "monitoring" Pelicans' guard Jose Alvarado ahead of the trade deadline coming up in two weeks.
There have been talks that the Knicks could trade Karl-Anthony Towns or make a massive addition, but a realistic trade that can still make a difference to the team come playoff time is trading for a player like Alvarado.
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The Knicks like to try to pride themselves on being defensively minded, and Alvarado would fit right into that mold.
The Knicks saw firsthand the effects of having a pesky defender/scoring guard off the bench last postseason, as TJ McConnell was a major issue for the Knicks and other teams in the playoffs last year, as he was a major reason why the Pacers went on a run to the NBA Finals.
Alvarado can be the Knicks' 'TJ McConnell', bringing the energy and a spark off the bench when the stars need a break.
Alvarado was born in New York, which is a story in itself, as he could play right near where he grew up.
The brand of basketball that Alvarado plays is right up Knicks fans' alley, so he would be welcomed right away.
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Alvarado was not on the list of players that the Pelicans were restricting trade talks on, and being a team that's in a rebuilding phase, they would likely listen to offers on him.
He did sign a contract that doesn't last much longer, with a player option coming up for next season.
He's making $4.5 million a season, which is an affordable contract that the Knicks can easily take on and trade for without giving up much.
In 22.2 minutes this season, Alvarado is averaging 7.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals.
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