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CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 05: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on December 05, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 130-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks came into the season as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. After making the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, they were expected to make the leap this year. With the Pacers and Celtics missing their best players, this is the perfect season for them to do so.
Right now, the Knicks sit second in the Eastern Conference standings. The surprising Detroit Pistons are the only team ahead of them right now, but that doesn’t mean the Knicks can’t beat them in a playoff series. Still, they could use some help off the bench.
A trade proposal from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic would have the Knicks add some depth from the bench without giving too much in return.
GettySan Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan dribbles the ball. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Knicks Add Bench Depth With Smart Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
• San Antonio Spurs receive: Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet, future second-round pick
• New York Knicks receive: Jeremy Sochan, draft rights to Adam Hanga
Signing Yabusele hasn’t worked out as much as New York was hoping it would. He doesn’t seem to fit well next to the centers that they have and he has been getting killed on defense. In fact, he plays just under 10 minutes per game this season after being their big offseason signing.
Adding Sochan instead of him would help give them a better fit. Sochan has fallen out of the rotation in San Antonio with everyone healthy. Perhaps swapping players would be a better fit for all involved and could help both teams get better off the bench.
Right now, the Knicks have just the 18th-best defense in the NBA. A large reason for that is that the bench gets killed defensively. Bringing Sochan in would help with that with his rangy wingspan. He can also pass well, so adding some playmaking wouldn’t hurt, either.
GettyNew York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson drives the ball. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Knicks Might be One Move Away From Winning the East
New York is one of the teams in the league that could be one trade away from making the NBA Finals. With no clear favorite in the East, the Knicks might just need one more contributor off the bench to help them in their goals of winning the conference.
Adding more defense is the key for New York to have enough to beat the other good teams in the East. They should still be viewed as one of the best teams in the conference, even without making a move. Making a move might be the best way for them to leap ahead of Detroit.
It will be up to Leon Rose to identify the correct player for the team, even if it isn’t Sochan. New York is good enough to make the Finals right now, but adding another player would give them a better shot at actually winning a championship if they get there.