The New York Knicks entered the offseason as the 2026 NBA champions, finishing a dominant postseason with a 16-3 record. Their only opponent to take more than one game from them was the Atlanta Hawks, who managed to steal two games before being swept in Game 6. While the championship banner is still fresh, the business side of the league has already shifted into gear.

One player who fits the Hawks’ next-year plan is guard Jose Alvarado. The former New Orleans Pelican was acquired by New York at the trade deadline and delivered solid performances in the playoffs. He is entering the 2026-27 season on a $4.5 million salary and holds a player option for that year. Should he decline the option, the Hawks would have a clear opportunity to pursue him.

New York’s salary-cap picture adds urgency to Alvarado’s situation. The Knicks sit only $5.2 million under the first apron and already have nine players under contract. Their priority will be to retain center Mitchell Robinson and add depth pieces such as guard Landry Shamet and forward Ariel Hukporti. With limited space, the club may be forced to part with players who are not deemed essential, and Alvarado could become a casualty of those calculations.

Atlanta, meanwhile, has a natural connection to Alvarado that goes beyond his recent Knicks stint. He spent four years at Georgia Tech, developing a reputation as a tenacious defender who can change the pace of a game. That defensive mindset aligns with the Hawks’ need for perimeter pressure and energy off the ball. Adding a player familiar with the Atlanta market also eases the transition and could help the team integrate him quickly.

The window to act is narrow because Alvarado’s player option must be decided before the free-agency clock starts. The Hawks’ front office should be ready to present a contract that reflects his playoff experience and defensive upside, positioning themselves as the most aggressive suitor. By moving decisively, Atlanta can secure a proven contributor without the uncertainty of a prolonged bidding war.

If the Hawks follow through, they would acquire a player who has already proven he can compete at the highest level and who brings a defensive identity that complements their roster. Pursuing Alvarado now could turn a championship-season acquisition into a long-term asset for Atlanta’s backcourt, reinforcing their competitive trajectory for the coming years.