Spurs' most rational trade deadline move would instantly divide the fans

As San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan withers away on the bench, it seems all but certain that he will be traded before the February 5th NBA trade deadline. That likely comes as a gut punch to Spurs fans who have grown attached to him.

However, it's clearly time, with him barely seeing the floor and only playing sparingly when he does. He is also in the midst of a contract season. And were he to be traded, he could potentially carve out a role on a new team before restricted free agency.

Even so, fans shouldn't expect much for Sochan, with the New York Knicks appearing to be a potential landing spot for him. New York isn't exactly flush with assets, but they could take a flyer on him while also salary dumping big man Guerschon Yabusele. However, it may cost them.

The Spurs trading Jeremy Sochan to the Knicks would divide fans

It wasn't that long ago that Spurs fans were clamoring for Yabusele, who was a free agent last summer. With his ties to star Victor Wembanyama and his ability to play center while also hitting 38% of his threes, he seemed like the perfect fit for San Antonio's front court.

Instead, he signed a cheap deal with the Knicks and has failed to carve out a role in New York. His once-bargain contract has become a burden, as he is now owed more than $11 million between this season and next.

Normally teams would just eat that cost. But with New York being among the most expensive teams in the NBA, they can't afford to do so.

As a result, they could offer Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet, and a 2032 second for Sochan. I know, it's not exactly the type of return we would all hope for from a former top-10 pick, but that might be the best we can get.

Are there any other Spurs trade options for Sochan?

Sochan and his agent might be able to find a better deal, with them having just been granted permission to reach out to other teams. Still, I wouldn't hold my breath, unless he is included as salary filler in a larger trade. Say one borderline all-star.

The best the Spurs can hope for in a potential deal with the Knicks is that they can transform Yabusele back into a productive rotation player, ala Boris Diaw. It really wasn't that long ago that he was playing well as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

If they can get that player, then they could at least get a big man who might be able to help answer some of their question marks at power forward. Dadiet might also eventually develop into something, while a distant second might turn into a pick in the 30s.

If that happens, then the potential trade would look a lot better. But, in the short term, this hypothetical trade with the Knicks is sure to irritate Spurs fans.