Jose

Alvarado

Alvarado pushed back the deadline to make a decision on his player option to Friday, giving him and the Knicks time to make a deal. Had he opted into the final season of his contract, the point guard would have received $4.5 million. Alvarado’s agreement to the new deal gives the front office a little more room to fill out the Knicks’ roster, especially if it’s backloaded. Given his role as Jalen Brunson’s backup, “Grand Theft Alvarado” is more important to the Knicks than to fantasy managers.

Alvarado initially had to decide by June 22 whether to pick up his option for the 2026-27 season, worth $4.5 million. His willingness to push the deadline back by a few days gives the backup point guard and the Knicks a little more time to work out the financials. The Brooklyn native wasn’t always in the rotation during the postseason, but his play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals was a big reason why the Knicks won their first title since 1973. With six players, most notably Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet, set to hit free agency, New York’s front office will have its work cut out keeping the roster intact.

Having fallen out of the Knicks’ rotation recently, Alvarado started Sunday’s regular-season finale and logged 34 minutes. Acquired from the Pelicans at a time when the Knicks were shorthanded on the perimeter, his opportunities may be limited during the playoffs. That said, Alvarado does not need much time to be a nuisance on the defensive end of the floor, so there may still be a role for him in the Knicks’ first-round series against the Hawks.

While Brunson will miss Sunday’s game due to injury management, Kolek will miss a fourth straight with a strained oblique. Jose Alvarado should play plenty, and Sunday’s game may be one where the Knicks look to get Miles McBride going, as he’s struggled since returning from sports hernia surgery.

Brunson and the Knicks took care of business on Friday, securing the No. 3 seed in the East with their win and Cleveland’s loss to Atlanta. As a result, fantasy managers in active leagues should plan for the possibility of Brunson not playing in Sunday’s game against the Hornets. If he sits, Jose Alvarado (12/5/2 with one three-pointer) would move into the starting lineup.

New York will lose two key reserves for Friday’s tilt, which means Ariel Hukporti and Jose Alvarado should be in line for additional minutes.

Brunson and Deuce will be available after sitting out Wednesday, and both should handle their typical workloads. Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson should all see their minutes reduced with New York’s top two point guards available.

Alvarado gets the start for the injured Jalen Brunson (ankle) on the second night of a back-to-back. He’ll join the usual starters and will have a chance to increase his production on both ends of the floor. Jordan Clarkson could play an even bigger role off the bench.

McBride will be sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back, which should lead to extra minutes for Jose Alvarado. Jalen Brunson (ankle) is questionable, so if he is out, Tyler Kolek should see a big bump in minutes as well.

Brunson struggled in Tuesday’s loss to Houston and could sit out the second leg of this back-to-back. If that happens, Jose Alvarado would get his second start for the Knicks, which should allow him to provide plenty of assists and steals.