The New Orleans Pelicans kept mostly quiet at the trade deadline, but decided to part with their backup guard who is dear to their fans.
The New Orleans Pelicans weren’t exactly a contender to watch at the trade deadline, and initially, it was thought that they weren’t planning to move players this season. However, they changed their minds hours ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday and were enticed by draft capital. The Pelicans are trading fan favorite point guard Jose Alvardo to the New York Knicks in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash, according to ESPN.
Per ESPN, Knicks’ guard Miles McBride is having core surgery and is expected to miss significant time – potentially the playoffs. McBride has been key to their rotation, and with him sidelined, New York was seeking a solid backup behind star point guard Jalen Brunson. ESPN further reports that the Knicks have coveted Alvarado for months, and that they were seeking an upgrade over Tyler Kolek on their bench. For New Orleans fans, it’s hard to swallow, with Alvarado reportedly wanting to stay with the Pelicans, but at least this move returns him home.
Here is the full story from Pelicans Roundtable writer Dylan Sanders on the end of the Alvarado era that was a highlight for fans and what they get in Terry.
Alvarado made a name for himself in the NBA, going from undrafted in 2021 to an electric, pesty defender that drove opponents nuts, earning him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado.” Alvarado signed an extension with the Pelicans last season with a player option worth $4.5 million last season that the Knicks will now absorb.