Date: February 13, 2026 By: Empire State Hoops
The New York Knicks have wasted no time in capitalizing on a surprising post-deadline opportunity. Just days after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, forward Jeremy Sochan has agreed to sign with the Knicks once he officially clears waivers.
This move is a classic low-risk, high-reward swing by the Knicks’ front office, adding a versatile, defensive-minded young player to Tom Thibodeau’s rotation without giving up any assets.
From Lottery Pick to Waiver Wire: How We Got Here
Jeremy Sochan, the 9th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was seen as a core piece of the Spurs’ rebuild just a year or two ago. Known for his vibrant hair, unique free-throw routine, and tenacious defense, he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player.
However, the Spurs’ timeline and priorities shifted dramatically with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama. As San Antonio looked to surround their generational superstar with more consistent shooting and offensive spacing, Sochan’s offensive limitations—particularly his inconsistent perimeter shot—became a more glaring issue. After failing to find a trade partner at the deadline, the Spurs made the shocking decision to waive him to clear roster flexibility.
Their loss is the Knicks’ gain.
Why Sochan is a Perfect Fit for Thibs’ Knicks
On paper, this marriage makes perfect sense. Sochan is a 6’8″ forward who thrives on the defensive end. He has the size, length, and foot speed to switch 1 through 4, a trait that is invaluable in today’s NBA and something that Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau covets above all else.
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Defensive Versatility: Thibodeau’s systems are built on grit, effort, and the ability to get stops. Sochan brings an immediate injection of all three. He’s a disruptor who can hound ball-handlers, jump passing lanes, and battle for rebounds. He fits the mold of the “tough-minded” player the Knicks have cultivated.
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Depth and Energy: The Knicks have a solid forward rotation, but you can never have too many wing defenders, especially for a playoff push. Sochan provides another body to throw at elite scorers and brings a level of infectious energy off the bench that can change the momentum of a game.
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Developing Talent: At just 22 years old, Sochan is far from a finished product. The Knicks’ player development staff has a solid track record in recent years. If they can help him refine his offensive game—even just making him a passable corner three-point shooter and a smarter cutter—he could become a high-level role player for years to come.
What’s Next?
Sochan must first officially clear the 48-hour waiver period, after which he will be a free agent eligible to sign his new deal with New York. Expect him to join the team shortly after and begin integrating into practices.
While he likely won’t be asked to carry a scoring load, his impact will be measured in deflections, contested shots, and the palpable frustration of whoever he’s guarding. For a Knicks team with deep playoff aspirations, adding a defensive junkyard dog like Jeremy Sochan for essentially nothing is a massive win.
Get ready, Knicks fans. The Garden is about to get a lot more colorful—and a lot tougher.
