After the trade deadline, the New York Knicks managed to create enough flexibility beneath the second-apron hard cap to immediately add another player, rather than waiting until later in the season.
Although New York remains restricted from signing any free agent who earned $14.1MM or more prior to being waived, the club can still add any player released by March 1 and retain that player’s postseason eligibility.
With that window in mind, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic outlined five possible buyout candidates for the Knicks: Chris Boucher, Marvin Bagley III, Haywood Highsmith, Drew Eubanks, and Mason Plumlee.
Edwards identified third-string center as a lingering need, which explains the heavy focus on frontcourt options. He also pointed out that New York could benefit from another wing capable of defending ball-handlers.
Highsmith fits that description, and Edwards also mentioned Jeremy Sochan as a name to monitor, though his piece was published before news surfaced that the San Antonio Spurs planned to waive him.
Given prior reports that the Knicks explored potential trade scenarios involving Sochan before the deadline, it wouldn’t be surprising if New York revisits interest now that he’s available.
His defensive versatility and relative youth stand out, particularly for a Knicks roster that lacks size among its reserve forwards.
Knicks Notes: Buyout Candidates, Anunoby, Diawara, Alvarado, Clarkson https://t.co/SuKqzdnp2U pic.twitter.com/q0HkXf6WSZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 12, 2026
