NBA trade buzz intensifies as Jeremy Sochan reportedly gets interest from the Knicks and Suns.
SAN ANTONIO — It’s that time of the NBA season when the Trade Deadline is right around the corner.
The San Antonio Spurs have been mentioned in the latest rounds of rumors involving a pair centered around forward Jeremy Sochan.
According to a HoopsHype report, the Knicks offered the Spurs forwards Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet for Sochan, but the Spurs declined because of Yabusele’s contract.
As recently reported three days ago on HoopsHype, there was also trade chatter of a New York Knicks package of French forwards Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet pitched for Sochan, but San Antonio was not willing to take on Yabusele’s $5.78 million player option for next season, league sources told HoopsHype.
Since the Spurs need perimeter shooting, Yabusele would fill that need. He is currently shooting 29% from three-point range and 39% from the field. He would bring energy, physicality, and toughness to the team.
For more of a discussion on Yabusele and the Spurs, watch the latest Locked On Spurs episode.
HoopsHype reported that the Suns also expressed interest in Sochan and offered Suns center Nick Richards during initial talks. However, Phoenix was leery about going above the luxury tax.
The Phoenix Suns, who are seeking power forward depth, are among several teams that have checked in on San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, league sources told HoopsHype. Suns center Nick Richards was brought up during exploratory talks, sources said. However, such a move would push the Suns further above the luxury tax, which is not ideally something Phoenix wants to do.
It was recently reported that the Spurs are allowing Sochan and his representatives to seek a trade.
“League sources say that Jeremy Sochan and his representation have received permission from the Spurs to explore the landscape for a potential new home via trade,” Marc Stein reported.
Sochan’s days in San Antonio are likely numbered, and he could be gone by the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline.
He is experiencing his lowest playing time of the season, averaging just 13.1 minutes per game. He has spent most of the season on the bench, resulting in a career-low Usage Rate of 15%.
More simply, the Spurs also have plenty of talent either contributing now or gaining NBA experience to become major cogs going forward. Established rotation players such as Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and Keldon Johnson are ahead of Sochan, and rookie Carter Bryant is seeing minutes and showing potential to be a strong “3-and-D” player.
SPURS TARGETING KEON ELLIS?
According to a report from Marc Stein, the Spurs are among the teams eyeing Kings guard Keon Ellis.
“Sacramento, sources say, has only increased the intensity of its talks to ship out Keon Ellis entering the weekend, with the Lakers, Pacers, Spurs and Celtics among several teams still hoping to factor into the race to acquire the defensive-minded guard.”
This is interesting considering the Spurs have an abundance of guard depth.
Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, rookie Dylan Harper, and Jordan McLaughlin make up the Spurs’ guard corps, and adding Ellis would not make sense. In addition, reports say the Cavs are likely to land Ellis.
Ellis would help defensively, but will he get playing time in San Antonio? Moreover, he is shooting 39% from the field and 36% from the three-point line this season, both career lows.