After winning their first championship in over 50 years, New York Knicks fans are still celebrating, and understandably so.
Ultimately though, the attention is going to have to turn to the offseason and free agency where the Knicks could be in danger of losing some key contributors who contributed to the title run.
The Knicks have several players headed for unrestricted free agency including Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson. They also have one player, Jose Alvarado, who has a player option in his contract for next season.
Jose Alvarado Predicted to Turn Down Player Option with Knicks in Favor of Free Agency
GettyJose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
When it comes to Alvarado specifically, at least one prominent NBA columnist expects him to turn down his $4.5 million player option in favor of free agency.
In a recent article for The Athletic, John Hollinger provided predictions for upcoming notable team and player options, and he predicted that Alvarado will opt of out of his deal in favor of free agency.
“Alvarado is a New Yorker who might give the Knicks a hometown discount, but he also has a $10.5 million BORD$ value and would presumably like to return on a better-paying contract than this one,” Hollinger wrote.
“In fact, part of the reason New Orleans traded him was the presumption that he’d opt out and become a free agent this summer.”
Alvarado was traded to the Knicks from the New Orleans Pelicans in February, and he was quickly able to make his mark on the team as a backcourt depth piece. In 28 regular season appearances for the Knicks, Alvarado averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 assists 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per performance.
New York Knicks Would Probably Like to Keep Jose Alvarado Around
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks calls a play during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
It would obviously depend on the price tag, but the Knicks would probably like to have Alvarado back next season as head coach Mike Brown was happy with the way he complements star guard Jalen Brunson.
“Jose has been good in the pick-and-roll. Jose has been good touching the paint, and if Jalen wanted to get off the ball for a few possessions, Jose could handle it, and he could touch the paint and make the game easier for others,” Brown said after Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
“If Jalen was on the ball and the ball got sprayed and it found Jose, Jose can then touch the paint with his speed.”
Alvarado has until June 29 to make a final decision regarding his player option for next season.
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