The New York Knicks are having a smooth run this season in the Eastern Conference. They sit second in the standings with a 17-7 record, just behind the Detroit Pistons.
With the team looking strong and aiming for a deep playoff push, attention is turning to possible moves that could make the roster even better. Amid this success, a new report has revealed a player the Knicks might pursue in the near future.
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The New York Knicks Might Go After a Pelicans Player
In a recent segment on the “Putback” podcast, NBA insider Ian Begley revealed something interesting about the Knicks’ plans. According to him, the team has shown real interest in New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado.
“Teams in the league are just keeping an eye down there to see who New Orleans is going to make available. What will they want for those players? New York product Jose Alvarado, if they make him available, you know the Knicks maybe surely one of many teams that are interested in Jose Alvarado — if he’s made available,” Begley said.
“The interesting thing is that his salary is, I believe $4.5 million. So, salary matching is less difficult at that number. Talk about a backup point guard for the Knicks. Player in Alvarado who defends and brings passion to the floor. I’m sure a lot of teams would be calling if New Orleans made him available. I’m sure the Knicks will be one of them.”
Talked defense, OG Anunoby, NBA Cup & more with Hall of Famer Gary Payton & @CPTheFanchise on The Putback. We also hit on New Orleans’ impact on the trade market, Jose Alvarado/NYK (clip below), Landry Shamet and more: pic.twitter.com/hLN4QKZJth
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 12, 2025
Alvarado entered the league as an undrafted free agent after the 2021 draft and later signed a two-way deal with the Pelicans in August 2021. He made his NBA debut that November, and by March 2022, the Pelicans rewarded him with a standard contract.
Before reaching the NBA, Alvarado was already respected for his toughness. During his senior year at Georgia Tech in 2021, he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Second-Team All-ACC honors. In the NBA, he put himself on the national stage by winning the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge MVP.
Last September, Alvarado secured his future with New Orleans by signing a two-year, $9 million extension that is fully guaranteed. The deal pays him about $4.5 million per year, making him an affordable and appealing target for teams looking to strengthen their bench.
This season, Alvarado has averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, three assists and 1.1 steals across 24 games while shooting 44.7% from the floor. If he were to join the Knicks, his ability to disrupt opposing guards would give New York another strong defensive option in the backcourt.
More importantly, his presence could take some defensive stress off Jalen Brunson, allowing the All-Star guard to focus more on scoring. Alvarado’s aggressive style would also blend well with Mikal Bridges, adding toughness to New York’s perimeter defense.
As Begley mentioned, Alvarado’s low salary and the fact that he has just one year left on his deal make him an easier target for the Knicks. Interestingly, in an interview with “Ratings,” Alvarado himself has expressed interest in playing for the Knicks someday.
“New York is my hometown, so I’m biased. But definitely the best. Growing up playing there creates an atmosphere and a character that a lot of areas can’t do for you. It’s competitors everywhere. It’s toughness everywhere. It’s the Mecca,” Alvarado said (per r.org).
For now, what ultimately happens remains unknown. Trade talks can heat up or cool off quickly, and much will depend on how both the Knicks and Pelicans view their futures.