The New York Knicks have made their move, filling out their 15-man roster by signing former lottery pick Jeremy Sochan. After clearing waivers, the 22-year-old forward agreed to a prorated veteran minimum deal, bringing his unique skill set to a Knicks team that’s already making waves in the Eastern Conference.
Sochan, who was selected No. 9 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Baylor, wasted no time making an impact when he entered the league. He stepped into a starting role almost immediately with the San Antonio Spurs and earned second-team All-Rookie honors thanks to a well-rounded game-averaging 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his debut season. His versatility on both ends made him one of the more intriguing young forwards in the league.
Over his first three years in San Antonio, Sochan played in 212 games and started 149 of them. He averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while logging over 27 minutes a night.
But this season told a different story. With the Spurs making a leap in the Western Conference standings, Sochan’s minutes-and his role-took a hit.
He appeared in just 28 games, averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per contest.
That drop in usage opened the door for a change of scenery. San Antonio explored trade options ahead of the February 5 deadline but ultimately decided to waive Sochan, giving him the chance to find a better fit.
And interest came quickly. League sources say nearly 10 teams expressed interest, but it was the Knicks-currently 35-20 and sitting third in the East behind Boston and Detroit-who emerged as the landing spot.
Sochan’s reaction to the move? A simple but telling tweet: “Bing Bong!” A nod to the Knicks’ rallying cry and a clear sign that he knows exactly where he’s headed-and what it means to play under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
For the Knicks, this is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Sochan brings defensive versatility, energy, and a willingness to do the dirty work-qualities that fit right into the identity this team has built. He’s not being brought in to be a star, but in a playoff race where depth matters, he could prove to be a valuable piece.
Meanwhile, on the Spurs’ side, Sochan’s exit opens up a roster spot-and there's already buzz about how San Antonio might use it. Sitting at 37-16 and second in the West behind Oklahoma City, the Spurs have quickly transitioned from a rebuilding squad to a legitimate contender, thanks in large part to the emergence of Victor Wembanyama and the steady leadership of De’Aaron Fox.
But even with that success, there’s a clear area of need: perimeter shooting. San Antonio ranks just 22nd in the league in three-point percentage at 34.7%, and that could become a problem when defenses tighten up in the postseason.
One name making the rounds in league circles is Klay Thompson. If the Dallas Mavericks were to reach a buyout agreement with the veteran sharpshooter, San Antonio could be a natural fit. Thompson is shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc this season and would immediately help stretch the floor, giving Wembanyama and Fox more room to operate.
Of course, that’s still hypothetical. Whether Dallas moves in that direction remains to be seen. But with a roster spot open and a real shot at a deep playoff run, the Spurs are in position to be aggressive on the buyout market.
As for the Knicks, they’ve added a young, hungry forward with something to prove. And if Sochan can tap back into the form that made him a top-10 pick, this move could end up being more than just a depth play-it could be a steal.