Knicks, Jeremy Sochan Reportedly Finalizing Contract After Spurs Exit, NY's Updated Roster
Following his surprising release by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, forward Jeremy Sochan is planning to join the New York Knicks.
Sochan's agent, Deirunas Visockas, informed ESPN's Shams Charania on Thursday that Sochan will sign with the Knicks once he clears waivers. Ten teams reportedly expressed interest in signing the four-year NBA veteran.
Charania added that when Sochan signs with the Knicks, it will be a rest-of-season deal.
Sochan's arrival will bring New York's roster to the following 15 players:
- Jalen Brunson (G)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (C)
- OG Anunoby (F)
- Mikal Bridges (F)
- Josh Hart (G)
- Mitchell Robinson (C)
- Miles McBride (G)
- Jose Alvarado (G)
- Jeremy Sochan (F)
- Jordan Clarkson (G)
- Landry Shamet (G)
- Pacome Dadiet (G)
- Tyler Kolek (G)
- Ariel Hukporti (C)
- Mohamed Diawara (F)
San Antonio selected Sochan ninth overall in the 2022 NBA draft out of Baylor, and he was a key member of the Spurs' rotation over his first three seasons.
During that stretch, Sochan averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.3 minutes per contest, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 29.0 percent from beyond the arc.
However, as the Spurs' top-end talent and overall depth improved, Sochan dropped out of the rotation this season.
Appearing in just 28 games so far this season, Sochan averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 12.8 minutes per contest.
While the 22-year-old was no longer a fit with the Spurs team that is second in the Western Conference with a 38-16 record, moving to the Knicks ensures he is still in the thick of the playoff and championship race.
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Knicks are currently third in the East this season with a 35-20 mark.
The Knicks have arguably the best starting five in the league with Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, Bridges and Hart, but they have clearly emphasized improving bench depth recently.
New York acquired Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans prior to last week's trade deadline, and Sochan provides another versatile chess piece with the ability to defend multiple positions.
With Alvarado and Sochan adding some much-needed depth, the Knicks are perhaps prepared for another deep playoff run.
