Knicks Rumors on NBA Trade Deadline Plans, Jose Alvarado, Keon Ellis, More

The New York Knicks have lost four of their last five games, which means there may be more urgency to shake up the roster ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

"Per league sources, before this skid, any move the Knicks made—if they made one at all—would be around the margins," The Athletic's James L. Edwards III reported Thursday.

"Again, though, that was before this drop in play and the players' need to address one another behind closed doors. Things can change quickly in the NBA, especially when expectations are as high as they are in New York."

With that as the backdrop, Edwards reported the Knicks are interested in Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans and Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings.

While Alvarado is not a franchise-altering addition, he would provide some important depth in the backcourt and a defensive presence to help take some of the pressure off Jalen Brunson on that end of the floor. He could also help run the second unit and provide a spark of energy off the bench.

The Georgia Tech product is averaging a steal per game despite playing just 22.2 minutes a night and has always been known as someone who will pressure ball-handlers and bother outside shooters.

As for Ellis, Edwards postured that New York could trade Guerschon Yabusele and second-round picks to the Kings for Ellis and Doug McDermott even though Sacramento may be more interested in a late first-rounder.

While McDermott doesn't really move the needle at this point of his career despite a history of impressive three-point shooting, Ellis could provide some of that important defense and depth to the backcourt that Alvarado also would in an acquisition.

According to NBA.com, opponents are shooting 1.6 percent worse than their normal averages when Ellis defends them. He is also averaging 1.2 steals in just 17.9 minutes a night.

While he wouldn't be a major addition, the Knicks are talented enough that they don't need a massive overhaul. Instead, they could use some complementary pieces as they chase an NBA title, and Ellis is someone who would fit that bill.