Former Knicks Trade Target Suddenly Hits Free Agent Market

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Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs falls into the New York Knicks bench during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.

A player the New York Knicks explored at the trade deadline is now unexpectedly available — without the need for assets.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed to part ways, making the former lottery pick an unrestricted free agent.

“The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent,” Charania wrote on X. “Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams.”

The development reopens a door for New York just days after talks between the two franchises stalled ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Knicks Were Among Teams That Pursued Sochan

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel had previously identified the Knicks as one of several teams that explored Sochan’s availability before the deadline. New York was willing to discuss forward Guerschon Yabusele in potential frameworks, but San Antonio declined to engage, according to the report, due to the Frenchman’s player option for next season.

Sochan had already fallen out of the Spurs’ regular rotation by December and became a trade candidate. NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported that San Antonio granted Sochan’s representatives permission to explore trade options ahead of the deadline, but no deal materialized.

The Spurs ultimately stood pat at the deadline — one of only three teams not to make an in-season trade — but Sochan’s release now gives him a chance to reset his career before the offseason.

Why Sochan Became Available

Sochan, 22, was a mainstay in San Antonio’s rotation early in his career, starting 149 games over his first three seasons and averaging 27.3 minutes per game. During that span, he produced 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest.

Defensively, Sochan earned trust from longtime coach Gregg Popovich and interim head coach Mitch Johnson thanks to his versatility, strength, and ability to guard multiple positions.

Offensively, however, the fit was never seamless. Sochan has converted just 28.7% of his career three-point attempts, and the Spurs experimented heavily with his role — at times deploying him as a point guard, a small-ball center, and nearly every position in between.

That positional fluidity showcased his adaptability, but it also underscored the uncertainty around how best to maximize his skill set.

Free Agency Changes Equation

By agreeing to a release, San Antonio avoided carrying Sochan’s $7.1 million expiring contract through the end of the season. Assuming he clears waivers, Sochan will be free to sign outright with any team.

Because he is still in his fourth NBA season, Sochan technically remains two-way eligible, opening multiple pathways to join a contender or a team with roster constraints.

The question now is whether he prioritizes immediate playoff exposure with a contender or opts for a retooling team that can offer a clearer developmental runway.

Knicks’ Recent Moves Create Flexibility

GettyJose Alvarado of the New York Knicks defends Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics. 

After talks with San Antonio failed to progress, the Knicks pivoted at the deadline.

New York traded Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Dalen Terry, with Yabusele agreeing to amend his contract by removing a $5.8 million player option for 2026–27 to facilitate the deal.

The Knicks then rerouted Terry, along with two second-round picks and cash considerations, to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jose Alvarado.

According to cap analyst Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron, those transactions shed roughly $1 million from New York’s books — a modest but notable amount as the Knicks evaluate late-season roster options.

Does Sochan Fit the Knicks Now?

The Knicks have prioritized defensive versatility, physicality, and playoff-ready contributors under head coach Mike Brown. On paper, Sochan checks several of those boxes as a switchable defender with postseason experience.

What remains unclear is whether New York views him as a short-term depth addition or a longer-term developmental bet — and whether Sochan sees the Knicks as the right environment to redefine his role.

What once required trade negotiations and salary matching is now a free-agent decision. For both Sochan and the Knicks, the timing may finally align.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo