Jeremy Sochan’s Arrival Closes the Door on Kevin McCullar Jr.’s Roster Hopes - For Now
When the Knicks brought in Jeremy Sochan, the focus naturally shifted to how he might shake up Mike Brown’s rotation. Would he cut into rookie Mohamed Diawara’s minutes?
Could he bring a new dimension to New York’s defensive schemes? Those are fair questions.
But the real ripple effect of Sochan’s arrival might be felt most by Kevin McCullar Jr.
McCullar, the 56th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been grinding on a two-way contract all season. He’s only logged 19 of his 50 available games, but the clock isn’t really the issue here.
The bigger problem? He’s not eligible for the playoff roster unless the Knicks convert his deal to a standard contract - and with Sochan now taking the final roster spot, that window just slammed shut.
The Knicks Liked What They Had in McCullar
There was a moment - not that long ago - when it looked like McCullar might earn that standard deal. He hasn’t seen the floor as much as Diawara, but when he has, the flashes have been there. Defensive energy, smart ball movement, and that memorable 13-point outing against the Hawks after Christmas, where he drilled four threes, showed he could contribute in meaningful ways.
It wasn’t just noise. The Knicks were watching. And for a while, it felt like McCullar was playing his way into the conversation.
But now, with Sochan in the fold, that path has all but disappeared.
This Isn’t About Fit or Finances - It’s About the Numbers Game
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about McCullar being redundant. The modern NBA is built on wings who can defend and make plays, even if the jumper is still a work in progress. You can never have too many of those guys.
And it’s not a cap issue, either. The Knicks managed the trade deadline like seasoned pros, keeping themselves under the second apron with enough room to sign Sochan for the rest of the season and convert McCullar if they wanted to. Financially, they’re in a good spot.
The problem is simple: there’s no room at the inn. Sochan’s signing fills the 15th and final roster spot. That leaves McCullar on the outside looking in.
Is There a Way Back In?
Technically, yes. The Knicks could open a roster spot by waiving or buying out a player.
But realistically? Don’t count on it.
Let’s run through the options.
Pacome Dadiet might seem like the obvious choice, but he’s guaranteed money for next season - not someone you just cut loose. Tyler Kolek is another name that comes up, but the Knicks like his upside too much to walk away from him this early.
Ariel Hukporti is on an expiring deal, but unless the Knicks are ready to use Sochan at the five - which isn’t his natural spot - Hukporti remains the only backup center behind Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns. That makes him hard to move.
Landry Shamet? Not happening. The Knicks want to keep him around beyond this season.
Jordan Clarkson is the one name that could shift things. He’s fallen behind Shamet, Deuce McBride, and Jose Alvarado in the backcourt pecking order.
If anyone’s a candidate for a buyout, it’s him. But even that’s tricky.
Deuce is still working his way back from sports hernia surgery, and Kolek’s been inconsistent. In that context, Clarkson’s scoring punch and veteran presence still hold value.
Cutting him now would leave the Knicks dangerously thin at guard.
McCullar’s Future? Still a Question Mark
So, for Kevin McCullar Jr., it’s back to the waiting game. He’s shown enough to warrant a longer look, but the math just doesn’t work in his favor right now.
No open roster spots. No obvious buyout candidates.
And no clear path to a standard contract.
It’s a tough break for a player who’s done everything asked of him - and then some. But in a league where timing and opportunity are everything, McCullar finds himself stuck in limbo once again, his future with the Knicks - and in the NBA - still very much up in the air.