The reason for Myles McBride’s injury is that New York traded for Jose Alvarado

With NBA trade deadline approaching 3pm ET on Thursday, New York Knicks solved the growing concern in his hinterland of gets guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans.

New York acquired Alvarado in exchange for Dallen Terry, two second-round picks and cash, which is a move greatly influenced due to the recent injury to Miles McBride.

In a joint report by James L. Edwards III, William Guillory and Fred Katz of the Athletics, detailed the Knicks’ motivation for adding another ball-handler.

“Getting another backup like Alvarado was a priority because Myles McBride will undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and may not be out until the playoffs, league sources said,” the report said. “McBride, 25, has missed the last few games with a ‘left ankle injury.’

McBride last appeared in New York’s 103–87 win over the Sacramento Kings on January 27. He finished with nine points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting 4-for-11 from the field and 1-for-6 from three.

Now in his fifth NBA season, McBride has carved out an expanded role in the Knicks rotation and is producing the best results of his career. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and a career-high 42 percent from three-point range in 35 games, including 14 starts. He averaged 28 minutes per contest.

🚨 Myles McBride will undergo surgery on Friday for a core muscle injury and could be sidelined until the playoffs, according to @TheAthletic. pic.twitter.com/ob45Zv0b70

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2026

The Knicks add Jose Alvarado for backcourt depth as Myles McBride’s injury looms

The uncertainty surrounding McBride’s availability prompted New York to seek immediate depth at guard behind its primary ball handlers, leading to the addition of Alvarado, a defensive-minded guard known for his on-ball pressure and energy.

Alvarado, 27, is in his fifth season and has averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range in 41 games this season. He averaged 21.9 minutes per contest with New Orleans.

The deal also had financial implications for New York as the deadline approached.

“New York loses even more payroll with this deal,” The Athletic reported. “Terry is making $5.4 million and Alvarado is at $4.5 million, which allows the Knicks to enter the buyout market sooner.”

Terry arrived in New York earlier this week after being acquired in the trade from the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for Gershon Yabusele. The Knicks ended up using Terry as part of a package to secure Alvarado while prioritizing immediate backcourt depth.

New York will now look to integrate Alvarado into a group that has risen near the top of the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are second in the East with a score of 33-18 after their eighth straight victory, and 134–127 double overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

The Knicks open a two-game road trip Friday night against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, who enter the matchup at 37-12. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video.