The New York Knicks have made calls to the New Orleans Pelicans regarding guard Jose Alvarado and center Yves Missi, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto on SNY. The discussions follow the Knicks’ ongoing efforts to adjust their roster around underperforming pieces like Gershon Yabusele.
Alvarado, 27, is in the first year of a two-year, $9 million deal with a player option for next season. Missi, 21, is in the second year of a four-year, $15.6 million rookie scale contract with the team having exercised his third-year option.
Scotto noted that the Knicks are exploring the market for Yabusele, whose contract could be paired with a minimum-salary player to facilitate a trade. The team may seek a second-round pick in return to improve bench depth and fit Mike Brown’s system.
The Pelicans have also gauged interest in Missi, who has seen reduced minutes under the current regime compared to his rookie season. Teams seeking frontcourt depth are reportedly monitoring Missi, making him a potential trade target.
Alvarado has averaged 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 22.2 minutes per game this season. Missi is contributing 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 18.8 minutes, showing promise as a young, versatile center.
New York’s current core includes Jalen Brunson leading the team with 27.9 points and 6.1 assists per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. Yabusele, an offseason signing, has struggled to integrate into Brown’s rotation, averaging just 2.9 points in 9.4 minutes per contest.
The Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference at 26-18, trailing Detroit and Boston, and are aiming to fortify their roster for a playoff push.
The Pelicans, last in the Western Conference at 10-36, may be open to moving players like Alvarado or Missi as they evaluate long-term rebuild strategies.
