Overview
- On Monday the Knicks and guard Jose Alvarado agreed to move his $4.5 million player-option decision from June 22 to June 26, giving both sides a few more days to decide.
- If Alvarado declines the option he would become an unrestricted free agent, and if he exercises it he would be under contract for the 2026-27 season at $4.5 million.
- Team sources say the delay was requested to free up short-term roster and salary-cap clarity while New York explores trades involving the No. 24 and No. 31 picks and while it controls the No. 55 pick.
- Alvarado went undrafted in 2021, rose from a two-way deal in New Orleans to a standard contract, was traded to the Knicks in February, and averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 assists in 69 regular-season games this year.
- Because some player-option contracts set earlier deadlines than the league-wide June 29 rule, Alvarado’s postponed decision directly affects the Knicks’ ability to complete draft-night moves and will remain a tactical factor through June 26.