Knicks Acquire Jose Alvarado To Bolster Backcourt

Merlin sees the Knicks pivot after flirtations with Giannis. New York acquired Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans, sending Dalen Terry and two second-round picks, after reports the Bucks "indicated to teams" they are keeping Antetokounmpo and were "never serious" about trades. Alvarado arrives as backcourt insurance with Miles McBride headed for core muscle surgery and a possible absence until the playoffs. At 27, Alvarado averages 7.9 points, 3.1 assists and 36.3 percent from three while bringing pesky full court defense and turnover creation. The Knicks are 13th in defensive rating and second in the East, five games behind Detroit. Merlin notes this is a practical, low-risk move that improves depth and could tilt tight defensive matchups down the stretch.