One of the New York Knicks’ top trade targets remains available hours before the NBA’s trade deadline, and the Knickerbockers are still interested.
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado “remains a trade target” for the Knicks ahead of the league’s deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
Begley also mentioned Pelicans center Yves Missi as another player the Knicks have “had interest in,” while noting that he has been a hot commodity for several teams around the league, particularly the Indiana Pacers.
As Deuce McBride continues to nurse an ankle injury, Alvarado profiles as the perfect backup point guard to Jalen Brunson. This season, the Brooklyn native is averaging 7.9 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 41.8% from the field.
His contract is also very affordable for New York, as the 27-year-old would only count for $4.5 million on the team’s books this year, and he also has a player option at that same price for next season.
As for Missi, he is in his second NBA season and averages 5.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 19.3 minutes. After trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks need a third center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Perhaps Missi could fill that void. However, he won’t be the cheapest option, as Begley noted that it could require “significant draft capital” to get New Orleans to part with the former first-round pick.
If the Knicks want to add Missi or Alvarado, though, Leon Rose and company must get a deal done quickly with the deadline just hours away.
