4. New York Knicks
New York did a fantastic job moving Guerschon Yabusele, who wanted out, essentially for Jose Alvarado as the Knicks received him from New Orleans for Dalen Terry, who they got for Yabusele.
Alvarado will immediately step in as Jalen Brunson’s backup, with Miles McBride potentially out until the playoffs due to a core muscle injury. Alvarado is a high-motor defensive point guard who excels at getting deflections and steals. He also thrives at putting constant pressure on the ball and fighting through ballscreens.
Offensively, Alavarado is a spot-up shooter and doesn’t turn the ball over. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 threes with shooting splits of 41.9/36.3/83.3. In 41 appearances for the Pelicans.
New York sits in second place in the Eastern Conference at 33-18, tied with Boston. The Knicks, on a season-high eight-game winning streak, are just 4.5 games back of Detroit.
