The New York Knicks made a second trade on deadline day, and their famous superfan Ben Stiller clearly approves.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks are acquiring New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado in exchange for Dalen Terry and multiple second-round picks. Terry was acquired in the Knicks’ overnight trade with the Chicago Bulls, who took on the veteran forward, Guerschon Yabusele.
Once the Knicks news broke on Thursday afternoon, Stiller made several social media posts, expressing his excitement.
NBA reporter Jake Fischer envisioned a likely scenario on X, which Stiller also responded to.
“Madison Square Garden is gonna absolutely erupt when Jose Alvarado skins his knees diving for a loose ball and slides right into [Ben Stiller],” Fischer wrote. “I’ll be waiting with open arms,” the actor/director replied.
It wasn’t all positive news for the Knicks on Thursday, who learned that their rotational guard Deuce McBride will be forced to miss a chunk of time with an injury.
According to The Athletic’s James Edwards, McBride suffered a core muscle injury and could be out for the remainder of the regular season. The Knicks, who are expected to get another playoff run in this season, seem optimistic McBride will be back in time by then.
More Knicks News: Jose Alvarado Faces $4.5M Decision After Knicks Trade
“This is not good, but I’m wishing Deuce a quick and strong recovery,” Stiller said. “We will need him big time when he’s back.”
The 25-year-old guard started 14 of 35 games for the Knicks this year. He was getting more playing time than any other year of his pro career with 28.0 minutes per game. McBride is shooting 43 percent from the field, producing 12.9 points per game.
Ideally, the Knicks would enjoy having the presence of both McBride and Alvarado in their rotation, but the two-way standout from New Orleans should be a strong addition to the backcourt to help fill the void of McBride.
Throughout his five-year career, Alvarado has produced averages of 8.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He shoots the ball at a 35 percent clip from three and plays with a high motor, which will surely play well at Madison Square Garden for the remainder of the season.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports