The New York Knicks have officially shaken off their slow start to the 2025-26 campaign. With Sunday night's 132-125 win over the Miami Heat, they’ve now improved to 20-8 - a record that not only reflects their resurgence but also solidifies them as one of the East’s most dangerous teams. They’ve already added a trophy to the cabinet this season by capturing the inaugural NBA Cup, but make no mistake: this team has its sights set on something much bigger - ending a 53-year championship drought.
So far, the numbers back up the eye test. A +7.7 net rating puts them among the league’s elite, and the transition from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown at head coach has gone more smoothly than many anticipated. Add in a deep, versatile roster, and the Knicks are looking every bit like the contender fans hoped they’d be.
But even with their strong start, the Knicks know the mountain only gets steeper from here. The Oklahoma City Thunder - the reigning champs and arguably the best defensive unit in recent memory - remain the gold standard.
If New York wants to seriously compete with OKC come playoff time, they’ll need to tighten up the margins. That means bolstering the roster, and with the December 15 trade restriction now lifted for recently signed players, the front office has some flexibility to work with.
One name that’s surfaced as a realistic trade target? Jose Alvarado.
The Proposed Deal:
Knicks receive: Jose Alvarado
Pelicans receive: Pacome Dadiet, Landry Shamet, 2026 second-round pick (via ORL/DET/MIL), 2027 Knicks second-round pick
Let’s be honest: Alvarado isn’t the blockbuster name fans might be dreaming of. But given New York’s current asset situation, this is exactly the kind of savvy, under-the-radar move that could pay off in the postseason.
The Knicks have been aggressive in recent years, and it’s cost them a good chunk of their future draft capital. That limits their ability to swing for the fences now.
Still, they’re not looking to mortgage what little they have left just to chase a splashy name. Instead, they’re trying to thread the needle - improve the team without compromising long-term flexibility.
Sure, bigger names like Donte DiVincenzo or Herb Jones might look more appealing on paper. DiVincenzo, now with Minnesota, could theoretically be brought back, but it would likely require giving up Mitchell Robinson - a move that would weaken the Knicks' frontcourt significantly.
And even though Karl-Anthony Towns has the starting center job locked down, Robinson’s value as a rim protector and elite offensive rebounder is undeniable. He’s the kind of physical presence that becomes invaluable in the grind of the playoffs.
There’s also the possibility of playing Robinson and Towns together. Towns has plenty of experience at the four, and Robinson could either start alongside him or come off the bench and anchor the defense. Either way, giving him up for a guard - even one the team knows well - feels like a step backward.
As for Herb Jones, he’d be a tremendous fit. Think Alex Caruso with more length - a defensive ace who could swing a playoff series.
But acquiring him would cost the Knicks even more draft capital, and that’s where things get tricky. Thanks to the 2024 Mikal Bridges trade, the Knicks owe Brooklyn their unprotected first-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031, plus a 2028 pick swap.
That severely limits what New York can offer under the Stepien Rule, which prevents teams from trading first-round picks in consecutive future years.
The Knicks could dangle a 2026 first-rounder from Washington, but that pick is protected for selections 1 through 8. Given how poorly the Wizards are playing, that pick is trending toward converting into two second-rounders - not exactly a game-changer in trade talks.
In short, the Knicks don’t have the assets to chase a star right now. But they can still make a smart addition - and that’s where Alvarado comes in.
The Pelicans guard is a defensive menace, the kind of player who can change the tempo of a game with his energy and instincts. He’s known for his signature sneak-attack steals - hiding in the corner of the baseline, waiting to pounce - and those kinds of plays would electrify Madison Square Garden.
But it’s not just the flash. Alvarado can also knock down shots from deep and run the offense in a pinch.
The Knicks already have solid depth at guard. Miles McBride is a trusted option with playoff experience.
Jordan Clarkson has been a steady hand off the bench and has found his rhythm in recent weeks. Tyler Kolek has stepped up in a big way, especially during the team’s NBA Cup run.
But McBride is currently nursing an injury, and Kolek, while promising, may not be ready for high-leverage postseason minutes.
Alvarado gives the Knicks another layer of insurance - a playoff-tested guard who can deliver both defensively and as a spot scorer. Clarkson could even slide up to the three in certain bench units, giving the team more flexibility.
In the proposed deal, the Knicks would send out Pacome Dadiet and Landry Shamet, along with two second-round picks. Dadiet hasn’t been in the rotation, and Shamet is currently sidelined with an injury. The cost is manageable, especially considering the upside Alvarado brings.
There might be some roster shuffling required - Guerschon Yabusele could be the odd man out - but maintaining frontcourt depth is crucial for a team with championship aspirations. That makes holding onto Robinson even more important.
Bottom line: This isn’t the kind of move that makes headlines, but it’s the type of addition that can make a difference in a tight playoff series. Alvarado brings grit, defense, and energy - all things that win games in May and June. And for a Knicks team that’s already proven it can hang with the league’s best, that might be exactly what they need.