The New York Knicks could have their eyes on a low-cost guard ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the New Orleans Pelicans are a team to keep an eye on as the Knicks search for ways to improve their roster before an expected postseason run.

If the Pelicans decide to host another fire sale this season, Jose Alvarado is a name the Knicks could realistically target.

Jose Alvarado Could be an Intriguing Name

“The Knicks will be among many teams that are interested in Jose Alvarado if he is made available,” Begley said on ‘The Putback.’

“The interesting thing with Jose is his salary. I believe he is at 4.5 million. So, like, salary matching is less difficult at that number. You talk about backup point guard for the Knicks, you talk about a player in Alvarado who defends and brings a passion on the end of the floor. I’m sure a lot of teams will be calling if New Orleans made him available.”

The Knicks spent a large portion of the summer searching for more value in the backup guard position. They were confident in the duo of Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, but they have dealt with some shocking changes on that front.

For starters, Brodgon called it a career before the 2025-2026 NBA season tipped off. As for Shamet, he’s been on the injury report, keeping up with an unfortunate trend since joining the Knicks for the first time last season.

When Shamet misses Saturday’s action against the Orlando Magic, it will mark his 10th missed game in a row.

Alvarado might not be the biggest name out of New Orleans (many will eye Zion Williamson and Herb Jones as the top targets), but he’s a special low-cost target for any team that doesn’t want to risk shaking up its core.

Last year, Alvarado appeared in 56 games for the Pelicans, drawing 23 starts. With 24.4 minutes on a nightly basis, Alvarado averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He shot 39 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc.

This year, Alvarado has 25 games of action to show for, seeing the court for 22.5 minutes per game. The 27-year-old guard is putting up 8.9 points per outing, while making 37 percent of his threes. He is averaging 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Playing his entire career with the Pelicans, Alvarado hasn’t had a chance to play in a lot of playoff action (just 10 games over two runs). However, the Knicks have enough postseason experience on the roster, which would take a ton of pressure off a guy like Alvarado, who would play a bench role.

There’s no guarantee the Pelicans make Alvarado available ahead of February’s deadline, but he seems to be a name to keep an eye on for the Knicks at this time.

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