The New York Knicks have reached an agreement to acquire point guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
New York will send Dalen Terry, two second-round draft selections and cash considerations to New Orleans as part of the deal, the sources said.
The move comes shortly after word surfaced that Knicks guard Miles McBride underwent core-muscle surgery. McBride, a regular contributor in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, is expected to miss an extended period, and his availability for the postseason remains uncertain.
New York had been pursuing Alvarado for several months in search of a steady backup behind All-Star starter Jalen Brunson. Rookie Tyler Kolek had been filling the role, but the club continued to explore upgrades, especially once McBride was ruled out.
Initially, the Pelicans signaled no intention of moving roster pieces this season, but the package of draft capital and cash reportedly shifted their stance. New York created the necessary salary room Wednesday when it sent forward Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Terry, who is now being rerouted to New Orleans. That trade opened space to absorb Alvarado’s $4.5 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.
Alvarado, 28, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and quickly built a reputation as a relentless on-ball defender. Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his knack of stealing inbound passes, the 6-foot guard converted a two-way contract with New Orleans into a standard deal and later signed a multiyear extension that includes next season’s player option.
McBride’s surgery was first reported by The Athletic; ESPN later confirmed the procedure and the trade details.
Source: ESPN
