Over the New Orleans Pelicans’ last two games, they have played by far the most cohesive, well-rounded, and solid basketball we have seen since the start of the 2025-2026 season. Much of this increase is due to Jose Alvarado, who has become the team’s leading scoring candidate and offensive initiator in the absence of Jordan Poole.
Alvarado has done what he has always done best: lead, encourage his teammates and treat every possession he plays as if it were his last. These qualities, in my opinion, are why Alvarado is the heart and soul of this team, making him a untradable piece as the entire team feeds off his energy.
This makes ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel’s recent report on the Pelicans concerning.
Jose Alvarado is a name to watch on the trade market as teams show strong interest, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Multiple teams have shown interest in Jose Alvarado over the years, and third-year guard Jordan Hawkins is a player who still needs to really solidify himself as… pic.twitter.com/RFlCWFQAKb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 7, 2025
With the playoffs feeling a bit far-fetched for the Pelicans right now, they may want to move on from veterans to get draft picks as the season progresses. This report suggests that if that were the case, Alvarado would have quite a large market. Being a solid defender, a player with high energy, a good three-point shooter and a solid initiator, he could add a lot to a contender’s second unit.
That said, he is too valuable to the team’s chemistry and future because whether Joe Dumars hits the reset button or not, Alvarado’s leadership will be needed in the locker room.
I didn’t always feel that way about Alvarado entering the season, but things are changing
With Dumars signing both Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears this season, I felt like there was a lack of need for Alvarado on this roster heading into training camp. However, after a few preseason games my opinion completely changed as it was clear he was still the backbone of this team.
Just look what he’s done for the team’s rookie, specifically Derik Koningin. When the season came around, there was so much pressure on DQ from the media because of the overnight trade that sent him to New Orleans. But Alvarado has had the support of Queen, even speaking to the media and saying he’s going to be a great player and he understands why. they gave up the assets they did it for him.
That’s the kind of leadership you can’t teach, and that’s what makes him so valuable to this team. His counting stats may never jump off the page, with 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc. However, the impact he has on this team, both on and off the field, is bigger than the box score.
I really hope Dumars and Troy Weaver keep Alvarado in New Orleans long term. No matter what direction the franchise takes, his leadership and energy will always deliver value.
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