NEW YORK — The New York Knicks stayed aggressive around the trade deadline, acquiring Jose Alvarado via trade and claiming Jeremy Sochan off waivers. Sochan will clear waivers Saturday morning, at which point the Knicks will officially sign him. New York enters the All-Star break having won 10 of its last 12 games, and the energy inside Madison Square Garden reflects a team that believes it’s a favorite to win it all.
Knicks Depth Chart: New York’s Lineup After Adding Alvarado and Sochan
Starting Lineup and Backcourt Rotation
Feb 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Through three games, Alvarado has shown the Knicks exactly what they targeted—and more. His transition has not been flawless. He struggled against Indiana, where his playmaking outweighed his shooting efficiency. That balance defines Alvarado’s value. He consistently manufactures winning plays, whether by drilling a timely three, delivering the right read as a passer, or ripping off a momentum-swinging steal. He is averaging 14 points, four assists, and two steals in 21 minutes per game off the bench.
San Antonio waived Sochan after failing to find a trade partner before last week’s deadline, and the Knicks moved quickly to secure him. Sochan has already established himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. He will slot in behind the team’s established wings and fortify the second unit with size, versatility, and defensive toughness.
Alvarado and Sochan will anchor the bench. The starting lineup will feature Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Brunson remains the unquestioned starter at point guard, with Alvarado serving as his primary backup and defensive change-of-pace option. Hart and Miles McBride have both logged starter minutes this season, appearing in 29 and 14 games, respectively. Even when McBride returns, Hart projects as the preferred starter. The Knicks now deploy a reserve backcourt in which both guards shoot above 42 percent from the field on high volume. That combination gives New York one of the league’s most complete guard rotations.
Wing Depth and Frontcourt Alignment
Bridges starts on the wing, with Landry Shamet backing him up. Shamet has built on his strong finish to last regular season and is averaging 10 points while shooting 44 percent from the field, 42 percent from three, and 72 percent from the line in 22 minutes per game. Anunoby opens at power forward, while Sochan adjusts to a reserve role that should still yield meaningful defensive assignments. Towns continues to anchor the lineup at center, and Mitchell Robinson resumes his customary role as the primary backup.
With Jose Alvarado and Jeremy Sochan in the fold, several developmental prospects will slide down the Knicks rotation—an expected outcome for a legitimate title contender. Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara will see reduced opportunities and could receive DNPs in tight games.
For clarity, the Knicks’ depth chart projects as follows:
Point Guard: Jalen Brunson, Jose Alvarado
Shooting Guard: Josh Hart, Miles McBride
Small Forward: Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet
Power Forward: OG Anunoby, Jeremy Sochan
Center: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson
Credit:© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images