NBA Trade Buzz: Spurs Open Sochan Talks, Lakers Shopping Knecht, Pelicans Set Lofty Price for Key Wings
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the market is heating up-and a few intriguing names are starting to surface. From a former lottery pick in San Antonio to a promising young shooter in L.A., and a pair of versatile wings in New Orleans, front offices are lining up their chips. Let’s break down what’s happening.
Jeremy Sochan on the Trade Block in San Antonio
Jeremy Sochan’s time with the Spurs may be nearing a crossroads. The 2022 No. 9 overall pick has reportedly been given the green light by San Antonio to explore trade opportunities, signaling a potential shift in the team’s long-term plans.
After starting regularly in his first two seasons, Sochan has seen his role significantly reduced this year. He’s appeared in just 27 games, averaging 13.1 minutes per contest with modest production-4.2 points, 2.7 boards, and 1.0 assist per night. It’s a steep drop-off for a player once viewed as a key piece of the Spurs’ young core.
The biggest question mark continues to be his shooting. Sochan’s career numbers-46.9% from the field and just 28.7% from deep-have limited his offensive upside, especially in a league that increasingly demands floor spacing from every position.
That said, he’s only 22 years old and still developing. His physical tools and defensive versatility remain intriguing, especially for teams looking to buy low on a high-upside forward.
Sochan is on a $7.1 million expiring deal and will be a restricted free agent this summer if extended a qualifying offer. That makes him a relatively low-risk option for teams seeking frontcourt depth with some long-term upside.
One team to watch: the Knicks, who have been scanning the market for affordable help up front. Sochan could fit that mold if the price is right.
Dalton Knecht’s Rotation Spot in Jeopardy
Over in Los Angeles, Dalton Knecht’s status is also drawing attention. The second-year wing, a 2024 first-round pick, has reportedly fallen out of the Lakers’ rotation and could be on the move.
Knecht has played in 36 games this season, averaging 12.5 minutes, but his recent usage tells the story-he’s been relegated mostly to garbage-time minutes over the past two weeks. For a team with title aspirations and a crowded wing rotation, that’s often the writing on the wall.
It’s a tough spot for a young player who came into the league with a reputation as a sharpshooter and offensive spark plug. While Knecht still holds value as a floor spacer and scorer, the Lakers appear open to exploring his trade value as they look to retool around their core.
Notably, Knecht was previously linked to the rescinded Mark Williams deal with Charlotte, so there’s already been some movement around his name. Whether he becomes part of a bigger package or a standalone deal, his situation is worth monitoring.
Pelicans Set High Price for Murphy, Jones
Meanwhile, in New Orleans, the Pelicans are making it clear: if you want one of their key wings, it’s going to cost you-big.
The team is reportedly holding out for a “Desmond Bane-type offer” in any deal involving Trey Murphy III or Herbert Jones. That’s a high bar.
For context, Memphis netted four first-round picks from Orlando in exchange for Bane last summer. That kind of return signals just how much the Pelicans value their two-way wings.
Murphy and Jones are both pivotal pieces for New Orleans. Murphy brings size, shooting, and athleticism to the wing, while Jones is one of the league’s more underrated perimeter defenders. Both are young, under team control, and fit the Pelicans’ timeline, which explains the steep asking price.
It’s unlikely a team meets that threshold unless they’re desperate or willing to overpay for a playoff push. But in the NBA, all it takes is one bold front office to shake things up.
Bottom Line
As we approach the deadline, these are the types of names that could quietly reshape the playoff picture-or set the stage for bigger moves down the line. Sochan, Knecht, Murphy, and Jones may not dominate headlines like All-Stars, but they’re the kind of pieces that can swing a rotation, bolster a bench, or spark a rebuild.
The clock is ticking. Let’s see who blinks first.