Vinay Kumar
Knicks champion Jose Alvarado has become one of the faces of New York’s NBA title celebrations after footage emerged of the guard throwing stacks of cash at a Queens strip club, extending the festivities tied to the franchise’s first championship in more than five decades.The late-night appearance came less than two weeks after the New York Knicks secured the 2026 NBA Finals title. Alvarado, a midseason addition who quickly earned a key role under head coach Mike Brown, has embraced the spotlight during the city’s championship celebrations while also facing an important contract decision that could shape his future with the organization.
NBA title winner Jose Alvarado spotted partying at a strip club as celebrations continue
Jose Alvarado’s championship tour took another turn when he was filmed at Starlets, a gentleman’s club in Queens, tossing dollar bills into the air as fans gathered around the stage. Videos circulating online showed the Knicks guard wearing a heavy chain and taking part in a celebration that reflected the mood surrounding New York’s long-awaited title victory.
Jose Alvarado at at night club. Image via: Starlets NY/ Instagram
The outing followed comments Alvarado made during a podcast before the playoffs reached their conclusion.“If we win, I’m going to be drunk for eight days,” Alvarado said. “I’m having a party in like every state.”Since the Knicks lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Alvarado has seemingly remained committed to that promise. He has appeared at multiple parties and public celebrations across New York, becoming one of the most visible players during the city’s championship festivities.Hours before the nightclub appearance, Alvarado posted a photo of himself asleep face-down on a folding table during his travels. The image carried the caption “Day 7,” prompting many fans to assume the marathon celebration was winding down.Instead, the veteran guard found enough energy for another headline-grabbing stop.The Knicks’ championship parade through Manhattan earlier in the week drew massive crowds as players, celebrities, team owner James Dolan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated the franchise’s first title in 53 years. The parade highlighted how deeply the championship resonated across the city after decades of waiting.
What is Jose Alvarado’s future with the Knicks?
While the celebrations continue, business is already underway for the reigning champions.The Knicks hold the No. 24 and No. 31 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft and are actively exploring roster and salary-cap options. Alvarado’s contract situation is one of several issues the front office must address before free agency begins.After arriving in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds while providing the defensive intensity and energy that helped strengthen New York’s rotation during its championship run.The 27-year-old holds a $4.5 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Rather than making an immediate decision, Alvarado and the Knicks agreed to move the deadline from June 22 to June 26.“While the reigning champion New York Knicks assess their trade options for picks No. 24 and 31 in this week’s NBA Draft, sources say reserve guard Jose Alvarado has agreed to move the decision date on his $4.5 million player option for 2026-27 from tomorrow, June 22, back to June 26,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported in a post on X.The extra time gives both sides flexibility ahead of draft night, while leaving open the question of whether one of New York’s most beloved championship contributors will return for another title defense.
