NEW YORK — Before the trade deadline closed Thursday afternoon, the New Orleans Pelicans sent Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash considerations. The Knicks had limited options to upgrade the bench under first-apron trade restrictions, but landed one of the premier reserve guards available.

Who Is Jose Alvarado? Knicks Will Love New York Native
Jose Alvarado’s Background
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) and Houston Rockets guard-forward Amen Thompson (1) are pulled apart after a skirmish during an NBA preseason game at Legacy Arena at BJCC. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Alvarado has built a reputation as a tough, gritty two-way player. Fans call him “Grand Theft Alvarado,” a nod to the Rockstar Games franchise Grand Theft Auto because of his ability to generate steals. He first gained league-wide attention for his sneaky inbounds steals in 2022, turning his diminutive size into a weapon.

This trade sends Jose Alvarado to New York, where he will play for the Knicks who he loved watching growing up. His home in Brooklyn sits less than 45 minutes from Madison Square Garden. As a young fan, he idolized Carmelo Anthony and followed the Knicks closely.

Alvarado played football as a child but quit after a neck injury. He later starred in basketball at Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, Queens. ESPN rated him a four-star recruit in the 2017 class. In college, he led Georgia Tech to its first ACC title since 1993 and earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

After going undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with New Orleans on August 19, 2021. The Pelicans converted it into a standard four-year, $6.5 million deal on March 28.

From Undrafted to Fan Favorite

Alvarado quickly became a vital part of the Pelicans’ rotation, known for his defense, hustle, and relentless energy. When casual fans think of a gritty, fearless player in today’s NBA, Alvarado often comes to mind. The rise surprised even him.

“I honestly thought I was going to be overseas, trying to figure it out,” he said, in an interview with Scoop B Robinson . “It’s amazing. I never thought I’d be in this situation, and sometimes I have to remind myself to appreciate it.”

His energy and defensive tenacity changed games every time he stepped on the floor. That impact helped him become one of the Pelicans’ most beloved players after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. He embodies the role player many coaches dream of having: someone who uses attitude and effort to overcome physical limitations that stop most players his size from reaching the highest level. He embraced the love in the Crescent City and the raucous “Jose!” chants that echoed through the Smoothie King Center. His performances reflected that support, as he contributed to winning basketball despite the team’s constant ups and downs.

There is a reason he earned MVP honors at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. His impact translates everywhere. Puerto Rico clinched a Paris Olympics berth because of him. The Knicks are getting a relentless worker in Jose Alvarado who will dive for every loose ball and create magical moments at Madison Square Garden; New York will love him.

Credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images