Spurs and Knicks React to Jeremy Sochan's Departure From San Antonio

LOS ANGELES — The trade that sent 22-year-old defensive specialist Jeremy Sochan from San Antonio to New York has prompted an outpouring of appreciation from the Spurs and eager anticipation from the Knicks, underscoring how quickly an NBA locker room can shift from mourning a teammate’s exit to planning his debut.

Inside the Spurs’ facility, the absence is already palpable. “I’ve talked to him. I mean, that’s my guy,” second-year guard Stephon Castle said, recalling late-night video-game sessions and daily workouts that bonded the pair since Castle arrived in San Antonio. “It’s tough, but I’m happy to see him in a situation that he feels is better for him. I just want to see him have his joy back while playing basketball.”

Sochan’s final weeks in silver and black tested that joy. Once a lottery pick and fixture in the rotation, the Polish forward saw his minutes evaporate, yet teammates insist his disposition never did. “I think he handled it as best as he could,” Castle noted. “In practice, he brought the same energy. He cheered guys on… whether he played or not.”

Coach Mitch Johnson echoed that sentiment, praising Sochan’s “great energy” and “playfulness” while acknowledging the player’s desire for a larger role. “We were all very aware of his desire to be in the rotation,” Johnson said. “We wanted to do right by him and make sure that he had that opportunity before the year was over.”

San Antonio fans offered their own farewell, giving Sochan a standing ovation during garbage time of a lopsided loss to Dallas—an emotional moment that circulated widely on social media. Sochan reciprocated hours later with a heartfelt message: “To the city of San Antonio… This community and the fans embraced me from day one! It’s bigger than basketball and I’m forever grateful.”

Across the country, Knicks personnel are wasting no time embracing their new acquisition. At All-Star Weekend, Jalen Brunson cited Sochan’s “level of toughness” and predicted a seamless fit. Karl-Anthony Towns, who has yet to speak directly with Sochan, praised his defensive instincts: “He’s a smaller big man, but he makes up for it with effort… he’s a game-changer.”

New York’s fanbase has already flooded timelines with clips of Sochan’s on-ball hounding, while the player himself leaned into the culture shift, posting memes about Manhattan and trading Premier League barbs with Chelsea-supporting teammate Josh Hart.

Back in San Antonio, rookie Dylan Harper recalled Sochan’s mentorship from day one, calling him “a great vet” who taught him “the Spurs’ traditions.” Harper’s sentiment reflects a locker room balancing business reality with genuine affection: “Seeing him go—obviously, it’s a business—but… I’m rooting for him always.”

The storylines will converge March 1 at Madison Square Garden, when the Spurs visit and Sochan could find himself guarding familiar faces. Castle has already set the tone: “I told him, if he’s guarding me, it’s gonna be ISO.”

Until then, San Antonio will adjust to life without the versatile forward who once felt like family, while New York prepares to unleash the “lovable goofball” they hope can fortify a playoff push.