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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 17: Guard Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles against center Ivica Zubac #40 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Madison Square Garden on March 17, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 136-110. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks entered this season viewed as title contenders by most NBA pundits. After making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, New York was expected to make the final push to the Finals in a weak East. Right now, they sit third in the Eastern Conference standings.
In the offseason, New York didn’t make many changes to the roster. The biggest one was the offseason signing of Gerschon Yabusele, which ended up not working out. Other than that, the Knicks brought back the same core that made it to the East Finals.
At the trade deadline, the Knicks decided to trade for Jose Alvarado to help the point guard spot. Now, that move is being recognized as one of the best moves in the NBA.
Knicks Trading for Jose Alvarado Names as One of NBA’s Best Moves
According to Zach Kram of ESPN, the trade for Alvarado was one of the best moves in the league this year. In fact, he had it listed as the 10th-best move a team made since the 2025 offseason. Alvarado was brought in at the trade deadline to help give them a final push.
Since being acquired, the Knicks have been +11.8 with him on the floor. That is the best on the team, which shows how valuable he has been in the last couple of months. While his offensive stats aren’t very strong, his defensive skills are why New York brought him in.
Alvarado is one of the best stealers of the ball in the NBA. He is just a pest when opposing point guards are trying to bring the ball up the court, which is something the Knicks needed to add. He is a great piece off the bench. With him on the court, he can distribute the ball to the guys who can really score.
New York Can Still Be the Second Seed in the East
The Pistons are the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They have been in that spot for most of the season, and they have a 4.5-game lead over the Celtics for that spot. New York is just a half-game behind Boston for that second spot, although they are likely too far away from Detroit to win the East.
Right now, the Knicks have the third-best offense in the league. They are able to score at a high level with both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor at the same time. Bringing in Alvarado was big for their defense, which ranks fifth in the NBA.
They are one of just three teams in the league that have both a top-five offense and a top-five defense in the league. Injuries are the biggest concern in the last few weeks of the regular season, but they have been pretty healthy all year long.
New York thinks it can win it all. The Knicks have started making better transactions in the last few years, and that’s why they are in this spot. The right draw will have a lot to do with their chances in the postseason. A good draw could give them a chance to finally make the Finals.