It took a while, but the New Orleans Pelicans have made their first trade of the season, and fans may want to look away. The Pelicans have sent Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks for Dalen Terry and two future second-round picks. This season, Alvarado has appeared in 41 games and is averaging 7.9 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 36.3 percent from three.
The timing is what makes this move especially confusing. Alvarado had been in trade rumors for a while, but with no real urgency to sell and no clear direction, moving the heart and soul of the team for a pair of second-round picks feels weird.
Grand-Theft-Alvarado spent 5 seasons with the Pelicans and, in all honesty, was the backbone of this team during the Zion Williamson era. He brought the energy nightly, whether it was from cheering at the end of the bench, knocking down clutch threes, or having highlight steals. His impact always went beyond the box score.
A player who defied all the odds
Alvarado was never supposed to be this. An undrafted guard with no guarantee and little to no margin for error, he carved out a role through sheer effort, fearlessness, and an edge that can’t be taught. When he first joined the team, he played like every possession, as most undrafted players do when they get their chance. But the difference was that he never stopped playing like every possession was his last, even after signing a guaranteed contract.
Jose, every single time he donned the Pelicans jersey, embraced everything the city was built on. Hard work, dedication, hustle and grit. And in an era where the Pelicans have lacked direction, he gave fans something to be excited about. Seeing a 6'0" guard go out there and defend star twice his size and dive after loose balls and hit big threes was inspiring.
Now just like that he's gone.
For Alvarado, this move will be good. He now has the chance not just to play at home in New York, but also to play meaningful basketball again. The Knicks, often deemed as a team that is soft and lacks real defensive effort and toughness, now get a player who embodies all three of those things.
This trade stings for Pelicans fans in a way few others ever could. Alvarado wasn’t just a contributor — he was the culture. Fans will cheer when he’s making playoff plays for the Knicks, but knowing he never got that chance in New Orleans will always leave a knot in the stomach. On the bright side, maybe Dalen Terry becomes a good player, and those picks turn into something special, but no matter what, I doubt they'll leave a mark on the fan base quite like Jose Alvarado did.