I did a KAT trade yesterday after the news that the Knicks may be looking to trade him but as several Knicks journalists have noted, it's unlikely he gets traded, at least during the season. The Knicks still clearly need a trade though as the last month has been brutal. One thing I've been prioritizing in Knicks trades is the attitude and intensity of any players the Knicks trade for. That killer instinct has clearly been lacking this season and I think the Knicks need players who can bring that type of mindset. I know a lot of people clown KAT for not having that mindset but I also think it's important to be true to yourself. Some players have that mindset or that personality and others don't, just like the rest of us. However, I think it's helpful to have that personality on the roster and it's something that I don't think always gets attention when team building.

Pelicans: The Pelicans have had a rough season but have some bright spots with their young duo of Fears and Queen and it's clear they are the building blocks of the future for them. Both Alvarado and Missi have been put up on the trade block so the Pelicans move on and get 3 second round picks for their trouble. Yabu has had a rough year but the Pelicans would hope he could return to his last season self in a new environment. Plus, they also have more room to absorb a contract like his and less pressure to win in the immediate future. Dadiet isn't an asset either, but still is only 20 year old and under contract for 3 more seasons and the Pelicans are in the situation where they can take on a project like him.

Knicks: As I said above, the Knicks need more intensity on their roster and Alvarado brings just that. He's a great defender and doesn't back down (he literally took on Mark Williams a while back despite the size difference) and the Knicks need that. He's also someone who can run and offense and while Kolek has been a good story and has played well, he's also look overwhelmed at times and Alvarado is just more experienced and someone the Knicks can count on more come playoff time. He is undersized but the Knicks don't have a ton of options that they can afford. A wing would be ideal for the Knicks to bring back but there just aren't many (or maybe even any) that would both get into the Knicks rotation and the Knicks can afford. Instead, the Knicks get more depth in the center position with Missi who is reportedly available. He's seen his minutes cut drastically since last season but would be under contract for several more seasons and gives the Knicks more depth there if there's injuries or foul trouble on the Knicks. It might also strengthen the Knicks hand in the negotiations with Mitch to hopefully keep his contract similar to it is now. The Knicks would still have 1 roster spot left to either convert one of their two way players or to navigate the buyout market. They can't sign anyone who is making more than the midlevel (like a Middleton) but there could be some other wings who are available (Niang, Highsmith). Depth chart below.

PG: Brunson, Alvarado, Kolek

SG: Bridges, Deuce, Clarkson

SF: Hart, Shamet

PF: Anunoby, Diawara

C: KAT, Mitch, Missi, Hukporti