Jeremy Sochan's tenure with the San Antonio Spurs has come to an abrupt end, with the former top-10 pick now headed to the New York Knicks after a whirlwind 48 hours that saw him waived, cleared waivers, and signed to a new team. The 22-year-old forward, who had fallen out of the Spurs' rotation and spent weeks on the trade block, finally got his wish for a fresh start Wednesday when San Antonio agreed to release him, making him a free agent just days after the NBA trade deadline passed without a deal.
How the Sochan-Spurs Partnership Unraveled
The writing had been on the wall for weeks. Jeremy Sochan, once viewed as a key building block for the Spurs' future, found himself completely out of coach Mitch Johnson's rotation by early February. The breaking point came during San Antonio's 136-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, where Sochan was the only player from either team who didn't see the court—not even during garbage time of a 41-point blowout.
"I'm not gonna lie," Sochan admitted after that game, speaking from his locker at Crypto.com Arena on what would be his final night as a Spur. "It was stressful." The fourth-year forward had been on the trade block for over a month, with the Spurs actively seeking a deal before the February 5 deadline. When no trade materialized, both sides agreed a separation was inevitable.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the situation earlier in the week, telling reporters, "I know that Jeremy is wanting to play more, like many people who aren't playing as much, and I'm glad he wants that. That's a competitive mindset that you have to have to be successful in this league."
From Draft Day to Departure: Key Moments in Sochan's Spurs Tenure
Sochan's journey with the Spurs began with considerable promise. Selected 9th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Baylor, the Polish-born forward was celebrated for his elite defensive potential, mean streak, and versatility. The Spurs initially envisioned him developing into a Draymond Green-like connector who could guard multiple positions and facilitate offense.
His rookie season showed flashes of that potential, earning him All-Rookie Second Team honors. However, an experimental stint at point guard during his second season proved unsuccessful, and while he showed promise as a small-ball center, the fit was never ideal. As the Spurs rebuilt their roster around Victor Wembanyama and added dynamic perimeter creators, Sochan's limitations as a shooter and scorer became more apparent.
This season, his playing time plummeted to career lows—just 12.8 minutes per game—as he registered more DNP-CDs (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) than meaningful contributions. The final straw came when trade negotiations with multiple teams fell through at the deadline, leaving both player and organization recognizing that a fresh start was necessary.
Why the Knicks Are Taking a Chance on Sochan
For the New York Knicks, the signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move that addresses several needs. At 6'8" with a 7-foot wingspan, Sochan brings defensive versatility that could prove valuable in playoff matchups. His ability to guard positions 1 through 5 aligns perfectly with coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive schemes, which prioritize switchability and physicality.
Financially, the deal makes perfect sense for New York. Sochan will sign for the veteran's minimum—approximately $1.2 million for the remainder of the season—a negligible investment for a former lottery pick who's just 22 years old. The Knicks had exactly that amount available after creating a roster spot through earlier deadline moves, allowing them to pounce when Sochan became available.
"The Knicks were one of the teams that showed interest in Sochan at the trade deadline, so this isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision," noted ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "They see him as a developmental piece who could help them now defensively and potentially grow into a larger role."
Where Things Stand: Sochan's Knicks Debut Timeline
According to multiple reports, Sochan is expected to clear waivers on Friday, February 13, at which point he will immediately sign with the Knicks. The team plans to have him join them in New York on Monday, February 16, following the All-Star break.
His debut is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 19, when the Knicks host the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. That timing gives him several days to practice with his new teammates and begin learning Thibodeau's system before seeing game action.
The contract is for the remainder of the 2025-26 season only, meaning Sochan will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. However, the Knicks will retain his Bird Rights if they choose to re-sign him, giving them flexibility to offer a more substantial deal should he prove himself in their system.
What Happens Next: Sochan's Future in New York
For Sochan, the move to New York represents a chance to reinvent himself on a playoff-contending team. The Knicks currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 37-16 record and have championship aspirations. While he's unlikely to crack the starting lineup immediately, Sochan could provide valuable minutes off the bench as a defensive specialist and energy player.
His skill set complements several Knicks players well. He could pair with Mitchell Robinson to form a formidable defensive frontcourt, or he could spell Julius Randle at power forward while providing better perimeter defense. His lack of shooting remains a concern, but in limited minutes with specific lineups, Thibodeau could hide that weakness while maximizing his defensive strengths.
Looking ahead to free agency, Sochan's market will depend heavily on his performance in New York. At just 22, he still possesses the physical tools that made him a lottery pick, and a strong finish to the season could position him for a multi-year deal this summer—whether with the Knicks or elsewhere.
Key Takeaways from the Jeremy Sochan Saga
The Jeremy Sochan story encapsulates the rapid changes in today's NBA. A player drafted ninth overall just four years ago finds himself on his second team before his rookie contract even expires. For the Spurs, it's a recognition that their rebuilding timeline accelerated faster than expected, leaving Sochan as a casualty of that process.
For the Knicks, it's another shrewd move by president Leon Rose, who continues to add defensive-minded pieces around his star core. And for Sochan himself, it's an opportunity to prove he still belongs in the NBA's future plans—a second chance he eagerly sought after watching his role diminish in San Antonio.
As one chapter closes and another begins, all eyes will be on Madison Square Garden in late February to see if this change of scenery can unlock the potential that made Jeremy Sochan one of the most intriguing prospects in his draft class.
