Celtics’ Rival Linked To Three Difference-Makers On Trade Market

The Boston Celtics have every reason to pay close attention to how the New York Knicks handle the trade deadline. The Knicks are the Celtics’ biggest rival in the Eastern Conference right now. Besides getting knocked out by New York in last year’s second round, the Celtics are also neck-and-neck with the Knicks in the standings right now.

This is what makes new trade deadline intel from James L. Edwards III of The Athletic relevant. Edwards linked the Knicks to three possible additions, including feisty point guard Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans.

“New York, per league sources, has shown interest in (Alvarado),” Edwards wrote on Thursday. “Alvarado really applies pressure on ballhandlers night in and night out. He’s one of those infectious players, similar to (Josh) Hart, whose plays radiate throughout the rest of the group.”

“The only downside to adding Alvarado would be that the Knicks’ already-small backcourt would get even smaller,” Edwards continued. “With big, lead initiators like Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, Franz Wagner and Scottie Barnes in the East, I’m not sure how much Alvarado would truly be able to deter those level of players. He’d make them work, certainly.”

“To make the money work for a trade, the Knicks could send out just Guerschon Yabusele and a few second-round picks,” Edwards added. “That might not be enticing enough for the Pelicans, though, as other teams have also shown interest in adding Alvarado.”

Alvarado has carved out a solid NBA role since going undrafted in 2021. After starring at Georgia Tech, where he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, he signed a two-way deal with the Pelicans. Over five seasons, all with New Orleans, Alvarado has averaged 8.2 points, 3.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, emerging as a key bench contributor known for pesky on-ball pressure and timely scoring. His career-best came in 2022 with a 38-point outburst against Denver.

Edwards also mentioned Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis and Toronto Raptors wing Ochai Agbaji as Knicks targets. The NBA trade deadline is February 5.