Jeremy Sochan’s Time in San Antonio May Be Nearing Its End - And the Knicks Could Come Calling
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all signs are pointing to a potential parting of ways between the San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan. Once viewed as a key piece of the Spurs’ rebuild, Sochan now finds himself on the outside looking in - logging limited minutes and struggling to carve out a consistent role in Gregg Popovich’s rotation. With his contract set to expire at season’s end, the timing feels right for both sides to explore a change of scenery.
For Spurs fans, this one stings. Sochan brought energy, versatility, and a unique defensive presence when he first arrived in San Antonio.
But the reality is, when a player stops seeing the floor - especially in a developmental year like this one - it’s often a sign that a move is coming. And with restricted free agency looming this summer, a trade now could give Sochan a chance to re-establish his value elsewhere before hitting the market.
One team to watch? The New York Knicks.
Knicks Could Be a Landing Spot - But the Return Might Be Modest
The Knicks have shown interest in Sochan, and while they’re not exactly overflowing with trade assets, they could be in position to take a low-risk flyer on the 20-year-old forward. One possible framework being discussed includes big man Guerschon Yabusele, prospect Pacome Dadiet, and a 2032 second-round pick heading to San Antonio in exchange for Sochan.
Let’s be clear - that’s not the kind of return you’d hope for from a recent top-10 pick. But given Sochan’s current role (or lack thereof) and his upcoming free agency, the Spurs may not have a ton of leverage. This could be a case of salvaging what value they can before the offseason.
Yabusele, who once looked like a promising fit in San Antonio thanks to his ties to Victor Wembanyama and his ability to stretch the floor, ultimately signed a team-friendly deal with New York last summer. But things haven’t clicked in the Big Apple. He’s struggled to find minutes and now carries more than $11 million in salary through next season - a number that’s become a tough pill to swallow for a Knicks team already deep into the luxury tax.
That’s where San Antonio could come in. By taking on Yabusele’s contract, the Spurs could extract a young prospect in Dadiet and a future second-rounder. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a deal that could make sense for both sides - especially if the Spurs believe they can get something out of Yabusele.
Can the Spurs Rehabilitate Yabusele’s Value?
This is where things get interesting. Yabusele isn’t far removed from being a productive rotation piece with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He’s a stretch big who can hit threes, rebound, and hold his own defensively when engaged. If San Antonio can unlock that version of him - think Boris Diaw 2.0 - then suddenly this deal doesn’t look quite so lopsided.
Add in Dadiet, a raw but intriguing wing who could benefit from the Spurs’ player development system, and a second-round pick that might land in the early 30s, and the Spurs could end up with a decent return for a player who’s no longer in their plans.
Still, this kind of move is bound to divide the fanbase. Sochan is young, talented, and still has upside - and watching him leave for a package that lacks a surefire contributor will be a tough pill to swallow for those who believed in his long-term potential.
Other Trade Possibilities?
Sochan and his representation have reportedly been given permission to explore other trade options, and there’s always a chance a better deal emerges - particularly if he’s included as part of a larger, more complex trade involving a higher-profile player. But for now, the Knicks appear to be one of the more realistic suitors.
If a deal does happen, the best-case scenario for San Antonio is that they can turn a stalled asset into a couple of developmental pieces and a second-round dart throw. Not ideal, but not nothing either.
And for Sochan? A fresh start in New York could be exactly what he needs - a chance to reset his trajectory before hitting restricted free agency.
He’s still just 20 years old, with the kind of defensive versatility and motor that teams covet. If he lands in the right situation, there’s still time for him to turn the corner.
But in San Antonio, that time may have already run out.