The New York Knicks are eyeing reinforcements as the trade deadline looms, and one name that's surfaced in their crosshairs is Jeremy Sochan - a former lottery pick who could bring some much-needed versatility to their bench unit.
According to recent reports, the Knicks have shown interest in acquiring Sochan from the San Antonio Spurs. The 6-foot-8 forward hasn’t had the same impact this season that he did early in his career.
His minutes have dipped significantly - averaging just 13.1 per game - and his production has followed suit, with 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest across 27 appearances. For a player once seen as a core piece of San Antonio’s rebuild, it’s a notable shift.
But the Knicks see opportunity where others might see regression. Sochan was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and he made an immediate impression with his defensive instincts, high motor, and ability to guard multiple positions. He averaged double-digit points over his first three seasons and earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2023 - a nod to his two-way potential and early promise.
San Antonio declined to extend Sochan before the October deadline, setting him up to become a restricted free agent this summer. That decision has opened the door for teams like New York to explore a low-risk, high-upside move - one that could bolster their wing depth and give them a defensive weapon off the bench as they gear up for a playoff push.
From the Knicks’ perspective, the interest in Sochan lines up with a broader urgency to upgrade their second unit. With team owner James Dolan making it clear that he expects this roster to compete for a title now - not later - the front office is feeling the pressure to act. Sochan wouldn’t be a blockbuster addition, but he fits the mold of the kind of player who could thrive in a more structured, defense-first environment like Tom Thibodeau’s system.
One name reportedly being floated in trade talks is Guerschon Yabusele. The forward, who signed with New York last offseason, has slipped out of head coach Mike Brown’s rotation and could be included as a salary-matching piece in a potential deal. Yabusele’s lack of minutes suggests the Knicks are ready to move on, and flipping him for a younger, more versatile option like Sochan could be a smart pivot.
With the trade deadline set for February 5, the clock is ticking. The Knicks have weathered a recent stretch of losses, and the pressure is mounting to make a move that not only steadies the ship but elevates their ceiling. Sochan may not be a household name, but his skill set and untapped potential make him an intriguing target - especially for a team looking to shore up its depth and make a serious postseason run.