New Orleans Pelicans fan-favorite guard Jose Alvarado's future hangs in the balance as he enters the final stretch before the trade deadline as a likely target for many contenders.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a decision to make with a fan-favorite player ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline as Jose Alvarado's future with the team looms.
Alvarado has a $4.5 million player option this offseason, which many expect to see him decline in search of a better deal. With how much interest there has been in him over the years, he can certainly get more money.
That's why the Pelicans are expected to be shopping him around at the deadline, and he is one of the more likely players on the team to get moved.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently released an "NBA Trade Board 2.0 (subscription required)," an updated look at the league's trade market and who people believe will be available.
Alvarado was listed as the No. 20 player available and the sixth-best point guard. His value is listed as "second-round picks," but they have received offers of a first for him in previous years, so perhaps they can still sneak one out.
The 27-year-old is averaging 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a steal on 42.4/36.3/82.6 shooting splits. Everyone in New Orleans knows that his impact is far deeper than the box score, though.
Five teams were mentioned as potential fits for the guard: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.
The Knicks make a ton of sense both in on-court production and personal fit. Alvarado is from Brooklyn, so it would be great to see him be able to return home. If Pelicans fans feel bad about seeing him leave, this would be a nice silver lining to the situation.
On the Magic, Alvarado would be a massive improvement over the current depth guard, Tyus Jones. Jones plays 16 minutes a night and averages 3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 33.6% from the field and 27.8% from deep. This makes a lot of sense for Orlando.
The Clippers were obviously counting on Chris Paul to be a backup ball handler, but unceremoniously sent him home instead of giving him a farewell tour. They don't really have a reliable bench point guard right now, but are playing solid basketball, so Alvarado would be a relatively cheap option.
The Timberwolves just really need a point guard. Mike Conley has become a depth player and Donte DiVencenzo is the closest thing they have. Minnesota seems poised to go after a bigger target, but Alvarado would be a good backup plan.
Lastly, the Rockets lost Fred VanVleet before the year began and have been getting by with Reed Sheppard and making Amen Thompson learn the position. They need a cheap veteran point guard and Alvarado might be their best option.
New Orleans fans will be keeping a close eye on the trade market for Alvarado over the final stretch before the deadline, and should also take note of what the teams above decide to do.