The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to a two-year, $9 million contract extension with guard Jose Alvarado, securing the 26-year-old spark plug via the 2025-26 NBA season with a participant choice for 2026-27, based on a number of stories.
Identified for his excessive vitality and tenacious protection, Alvarado has turn into a fan favourite since becoming a member of the Pelicans on a two-way contract in 2021 after a four-year school profession at Georgia Tech. In 56 video games final season, he averaged 7.1 factors, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals whereas capturing 37.7% from 3-point vary.
Alvarado, who completed sixth in NBA Sixth Man of the Yr voting in 2023, will proceed to play a key position off the bench for New Orleans. He’s anticipated to again up new arrival Dejounte Murray, who was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in June.
The Pelicans are aiming for his or her second consecutive playoff look, one thing the franchise hasn’t achieved for the reason that 2008-09 season. Alvarado’s defensive presence and improved capturing will probably be essential as New Orleans seems to make one other push within the Western Convention.
Alvarado’s profession has been hampered by accidents, limiting his availability in every of his three NBA seasons. He performed in 56 video games final yr, lacking important time with a shin damage. This yr, he sat out the primary 13 video games of the 2023-24 season attributable to a proper ankle sprain.
The damage woes continued throughout the summer time when Alvarado sprained his ankle whereas representing Puerto Rico within the 2024 Paris Olympics. Regardless of enjoying via the damage, Puerto Rico was eradicated within the group stage.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jose Alverado, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans are hopeful that Alvarado can stay wholesome shifting ahead, offering wanted depth behind Murray because the staff pushes for postseason success.
Alvarado’s extension offers the Pelicans stability of their backcourt and retains a key piece of their rotation in place. The 6-foot guard’s relentless hustle and skill to drive turnovers have made him a invaluable asset on each ends of the ground.
“God thanks. Keep the course one-five,” Alvarado tweeted after information of the deal, signaling his gratitude for the extension.
The Pelicans are set to open their 2024-25 season at house towards the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23, with Alvarado anticipated to make his debut because the staff’s second-unit level guard behind Murray.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jose Alverado, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The extension not solely secures Alvarado’s future in New Orleans but in addition displays the Pelicans’ perception in his continued improvement as an important a part of their success.
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