NBA Clutch Trade: Pelicans traded Jose Alvarado to Knicks for two 2nd round picks and cash

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans engaged in a clutch trade deal by sending Jose Alvarado back to his home. The deal included the Knicks sending Dalen Terry and two future second-round picks to New Orleans to bring the undrafted success back to his home city.

For the Knicks team, who are currently sitting second in the East with a 33-18 record, the trade isn't about gaining the star power but rather about ensuring that their bench can maintain the defensive intensity and depth required for a deep playoff run.

The return of Jose Alvarado to New York

ESPN’s Shams Charania, just a few hours before the trade deadline, posted via his X account, “Just in: The New Orleans Pelicans are trading Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks.

Homecoming for the Pelicans guard.” Standing at 6 feet tall, Alvarado has built a reputation for his sneak attack steals and earned himself the “Grand Theft Alvarado” nickname. This season, he has recorded a total of 37 steals while averaging 0.9 steals per game. Before the trade, as a Pelican, Jose was averaging 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in roughly 22 minutes per night. His defensive impact remains his trump card and currently has a defensive rating of 115.2.

Alvarado’s acquisition by the Knicks comes following a recent injury to Miles "Deuce" McBride, whose ankle issues have tested the Knicks' backcourt depth. With Alvarado, the Knicks are looking to strengthen their backcourt defense and uplift the roster to a title contender. Along with defense, the 27-year-old is also hitting the rim from the floor at an efficiency of 41.8% and 36.3% from the arc. His arrival gives Knicks’ captain, Jalen Brunson, a reliable secondary ball-handler who won’t give up an inch on his defensive end.

New Orleans is rebuilding its assets

While the Knicks' need for a defensive-minded guard got fulfilled, the Pelicans utilized Jose Alvarado’s trade to restock on the cap space for the future. Alvarado holds a $4.5 million player option for next season, and through this trade, the front office avoided losing him for nothing in free agency. In exchange, they received the 23-year-old Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash as per multiple reports.

New Orleans is also looking to play the long game with draft capital, and with the two picks, they’ll be looking for players to pair with their young core of Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy.