Jose Alvarado, Knicks
Getty
Jose Alvarado's New York Knicks debut is delayed.
The New York Knicks will have to wait a little longer to see Jose Alvarado in uniform.
Alvarado will not be with the team for Friday night’s marquee matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, as he has yet to officially clear the trade process following New York’s deadline acquisition.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Alvarado and Dalen Terry — who was sent to New Orleans — must pass physicals before joining their respective teams.
Trade Details and Debut Timeline
The Knicks acquired Alvarado on Thursday from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Terry, two second-round picks, and cash considerations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
If all goes as expected, Alvarado’s next opportunity to make his Knicks debut will come Sunday on the road against the Boston Celtics. His first game at Madison Square Garden as a Knick is projected for Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers.
The brief delay has not dampened anticipation around the move, particularly given Alvarado’s deep New York roots.
Homecoming for Brooklyn Native
Alvarado, a Brooklyn native, grew up idolizing Carmelo Anthony and starred at Christ the King High School, one of the city’s most storied basketball programs. His connection to New York, combined with his relentless style of play, has already positioned him as a potential fan favorite.
Alvarado also shares strong ties to Puerto Rico, having represented the island in international competition — a background that mirrors Anthony’s heritage and further strengthens his resonance with the fan base.
Alvarado’s Role Grows After McBride Injury
Alvarado is expected to serve as the primary backup to Jalen Brunson, a role that became even more critical after a significant injury development earlier this week.
On Thursday, Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that Knicks guard Miles McBride is expected to undergo surgery on Friday to address a core muscle injury (sports hernia) and could be sidelined until the playoffs, citing league sources.
The news landed as a major blow to New York’s backcourt depth and provided immediate context for the Alvarado acquisition.
Culture Fit Draws Praise
Alvarado’s arrival was quickly embraced inside the locker room.
Josh Hart publicly welcomed, posting “JOSEEEEEEE” on X shortly after the deal was announced. Hart and Alvarado were briefly teammates in New Orleans during the 2021–22 season and share a similar high-energy, defense-first approach.
Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his knack for generating steals, Alvarado brings career averages of 8.1 points, 3.0 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His disruptive perimeter defense and pace align closely with the Knicks’ defensive identity.
Analysts Applaud Knicks’ Deadline Move
The trade has also drawn praise externally.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports gave New York an A+ grade for the move in a feature published Thursday.
“The Knicks had minimal matching salary to work with at this year’s deadline,” Quinn wrote. “There wasn’t a path to them adding someone expensive without giving up a core player, which they seemingly had no interest in doing.”
He added that the goal was landing “an affordable reserve who’d fit their culture and be able to contribute 10 or 15 solid minutes per night,” calling Alvarado “Josh Hart, but six inches shorter.”
Quinn also noted that Alvarado’s manageable cap figure next season could help limit New York’s luxury tax burden.
Alvarado makes a little over $1 million less than Guerschon Yabusele.
Behind-the-Scenes Cooperation Made Deal Possible
The trade required quiet cooperation behind the scenes.
According to Begley, forward Guerschon Yabusele agreed to amend the second year of his contract by declining his player option, allowing him to be moved to the Chicago Bulls and unlocking a multi-step sequence that ultimately delivered Alvarado to New York.
“If Guerschon Yabusele didn’t work with the Knicks to amend his contract and decline the player option, it’s safe to say the trade with Chicago doesn’t happen,” Begley reported.
For now, the Knicks must wait. But once Alvarado clears and suits up, New York believes it has added the exact kind of edge and energy it needs for the stretch run.