Knicks to sign Jeremy Sochan after he clears waivers

Jeremy Sochan isn’t staying on the market for long.

Once he clears waivers, Sochan plans to sign with the Knicks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania, giving New York a quick post-deadline add with playoff utility.

The Knicks created just enough financial breathing room last week to make this work and won’t have to wait around to do it.

According to ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks, New York went from barely under the second apron to more than $1.1 million below it, clearing the path to sign Sochan to a prorated veteran minimum. If the deal is completed before March 1, Sochan will be playoff-eligible.

Sochan was waived by the Spurs on Thursday by mutual agreement after slipping out of the rotation in December. Ten teams showed interest once he hit waivers, but his $7.1 million expiring salary made a claim unrealistic.

This was always headed toward a free-agent landing.

The ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft started 149 games over his first three seasons and averaged 27.3 minutes, bringing energy, versatility, and defensive edge. His jumper remains a work in progress, but that’s not why the Knicks are calling.

New York is betting that Sochan can help guard multiple positions, survive playoff matchups, and bring some bite to the rotation.