The potential pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Knicks will have to wait until summer.
Instead of making a big move at the NBA trade deadline, Leon Rose prioritized stability, slightly boosting the Knicks’ odds in the Eastern Conference.
Currently, the Knicks have the second-best odds to reach the NBA Finals at +340, up from +350 at the start of February.
With Miles McBride recovering from core muscle surgery, the Knicks strengthened their point guard position by trading for New Orleans native Jose Alvarado, along with Darren Terry and two second-round picks. Alvarado is expected to bring much-needed energy and perimeter pressure to the bench.
They had been eyeing Alvarado as a suitable backup for Jalen Brunson, while Tyler Kolek was seen as a fill-in for McBride.
Terry was acquired in a previous trade involving Gershon Yabusele, which created some cap space for the Knicks, allowing them to take on his $4.5 million player option for the next season.
The Knicks have fallen behind the Cavaliers, who are now the +340 favorites to win the East Division. Cleveland opted for a “win-now” approach by reshaping their roster, moving on from Darius Garland, DeAndre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball, who struggled with net ratings. They brought in James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder.
Harden, 36, was traded for Garland along with a second-round pick. Even with his age, Harden has been healthier and more efficient than Garland, averaging 25.4 points compared to Garland’s 18.
Cleveland’s odds sit at +500 as the trade deadline passes.
The East Division-leading Pistons took a notable hit, dropping from +320 to +360 favorites after trading for shooters Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric in a deal involving the Bulls and Timberwolves.
The Knicks are tied for second place with the Celtics, trailing the Pistons by five games, while the Cavaliers sit in fourth, seven and a half games back.
