Here’s the Knicks roster after the 2026 NBA trade deadline

The Knicks made one significant move this week, a multi-asset trade with the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the deadline. In the deal, they acquired point guard Jose Alvarado—a Brooklynite who’s been on their radar for a while—in exchange for wing/forward Dalen Terry (recently acquired from the Bulls in a Guerschon Yabusele swap), two second-round picks (reportedly 2026 and 2027), and cash considerations.

Not exactly the blockbuster (ahem, Giannis) trade some in Knicksnation wanted, but this was a targeted addition to bolster backcourt depth and defensive energy. The Knicks had long pursued Alvarado due to his tough-as-nails, Lenny Dykstra temperament, and he meets New York’s rotational needs, particularly with Deuce McBride being sidelined potentially for the rest of the season.

Here’s a summary of where things stand for the team after the NBA trade deadline:

What the Knicks acquired:

Jose Alvarado (5th-year point guard, 6’0”, undrafted in 2021 out of Georgia Tech)

Grand Theft Alvarado has been a high-energy, low-minute rotation player for the Pelicans (career 20 MPG). He brings relentless defensive intensity, quick hands for steals, pesky on-ball pressure, and improved playmaking. This season, his three-point shooting sits around 36% (on 4.7 attempts per game).

He played four seasons at Georgia Tech as a tenacious, defense-first point guard who emerged as a leader. As a senior in 2020–21, he averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors while leading the Yellow Jackets to the ACC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Undrafted in 2021, Alvarado signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans before earning a standard deal. Over four-plus seasons with New Orleans, he has appeared in 268 regular-season games, totaling around 2,170 points, 620 rebounds, 830 assists, 295 steals, and 50 blocks (career averages: 8.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG on 41% FG and 35% 3P).

Alvarado’s contract ($4.5M this season) is a solid mid-level deal with one year remaining (player option in 2026-27) that gives the Knicks some cost-controlled depth in the backcourt. GTA is a long-term roster fit under second-apron constraints, providing flexibility for retaining key pieces (e.g., Mitchell Robinson). And from a feel-good angle, this brings home a Brooklyn native with superb energy and defense that Knicks fans are bound to love. Nicely done, Leon.

What the Knicks sent out:

Guerschon Yabusele (power forward/center, signed as a free agent in 2025)

Yabusele disappointed heavily in New York. He appeared excessively full of frame at camp (having enjoyed too many croissants in the off-season), played slower and inefficiently, and averaged just 2.7 PPG and 2.1 RPG in 41 games on 39% FG/29% 3PT, with minimal impact. His $5.7M player option for 2026-27 made him a negative asset that blocked other deals for Leon Rose & Co.

Despite our high hopes, Yabu was a non-contributor and, thus, a cap burden. Maybe the problem was that coach Mike Brown stationed the big fella on the perimeter (where he did not shoot well) instead of at the post, putting that Barkley booty to better use. That’s all water over the Millau Viaduct. Jettisoning him clears apron and cap space for offseason retention or moves, avoids a costly buyout or dead money, and proved to be part of a master plan that brought Alvarado back to the Empire State.

Total for 2026: Up to 2 first-round picks + 2 second-round picks (potentially more if the Wizards’ first is protected).

Now that the trade dust has settled, how do you feel about what the Knicks’ front office did this week? Who should they target in the buyout market? Air it out below.