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0 New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has agreed to a two-year, $9 million contract extension, according to sources familiar with the situation. The deal includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. The news was first reported by the Times-Picayune, although the Pelicans have yet to make an official announcement.
Jose Alvarado, a 6-foot guard known for his relentless energy and defensive prowess, went undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2021 but has since carved out a key role with New Orleans. Entering what would have been his final season under contract, the extension secures his future with the team through at least 2025-26.
Alvarado has become a fan favorite for his defensive exploits, especially his knack for sneaking up on unsuspecting ball handlers to create backcourt steals. This defensive tenacity earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado,” a reputation he built during his college days at Georgia Tech, where he was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Over his three NBA seasons with the Pelicans, Alvarado has averaged 7.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 18.5 minutes per game across 171 appearances. His defensive abilities and hustle have made him a valuable contributor off the bench, providing energy and pressure on opposing guards.
Born in New York with Puerto Rican roots, Alvarado has also represented Puerto Rico’s national team, including playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. His success at the international level has further solidified his standing as a versatile and dependable guard.
For the upcoming season, Alvarado will serve as one of the primary backups to newly acquired point guard Dejounte Murray. The Pelicans are set to begin training camp in Nashville, Tennessee, with players first reporting to New Orleans for a preseason media event on Monday.
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