What happened: New York reserve guard Jose Alvarado has pushed back the deadline on his $4.5 million player option for 2026-27 from June 22 to Friday, June 26, according to reports surfacing late Monday. In the same window, the Knicks are working draft-day trade scenarios involving their No. 24 and No. 31 selections, with the No. 55 pick also in hand. Picking up the option returns Alvarado to New York without negotiation and pushes his unrestricted free agency to July 2027; opting out makes him a free agent next week.
Why it matters: The timing ties Alvarado's choice to New York's cap math under a tight second-apron picture, where every roster and salary decision carries weight for the reigning champions. Moving the No. 24 pick would free roughly $3.6 million in flexibility tied to its pre-set rookie salary, while keeping it adds a low-cost controllable young player to an expensive veteran core. Delaying the option decision until after the draft keeps New York's money matters open while it shops multiple deals.
By the numbers: Alvarado's player option is worth $4.5 million; declining it triggers unrestricted free agency. The No. New York entered the offseason with roughly $202 million in guaranteed salaries — including Alvarado's option and Pacome Dadiet's team option of nearly $3 million — against a second apron starting at $221 million, leaving about $25 million of room before both returns are assumed.
What to watch: Watch whether Alvarado opts in or tests the open market by Friday, and whether New York moves any of its three draft picks during the week's NBA Draft.