The Knicks have one goal this season, and that's to compete for an NBA championship. So far, they're off to a good start, having captured the NBA Cup championship and currently holding the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed.
But as currently constructed, are they a shoo-in to make the Finals? Probably not. They're just a few complementary pieces away from boasting a truly deep roster that can go blow-for-blow with the likes of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
With veteran forward Guerschon Yabusele unable to find a role for himself in New York, he could be the trade piece the Knicks need to make a move for a player better suited for their needs.
Knicks urged to trade for Pelicans' guard Jose Alvarado
David Vertsberger os SNY named New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado as an ideal Knicks trade candidate, and thanks to his salary matching Yabusele's it would be a relatively simple deal to hammer out.
"Linked to the Knicks by SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, Alvarado has New York roots and plays with a New York attitude from the point guard position, hounding ball-handlers and never shrinking from a big game or shot. He’s hitting nearly 38 percent of his threes this season and would thrive in Brown’s high pace style," wrote Vertsberger.
Alvarado is famous for his pesky defense against opposing ball-handlers and has produced several highlight reels from some incredibly impressive steals.
While second-year guard Tyler Kolek has come on strong as of late, his speciality is offense and trading for Alvarado would provide a defensive-oriented alternative in specific matchups.
Acquiring Alvarado wouldn't be the splashiest trade for the Knicks to make in pursuit of a championship, but it would be an upgrade nonetheless.
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