Spurs Cut Ties with Jeremy Sochan After Trade Deadline Passes Quietly
In one of the more unexpected moves following the trade deadline, the San Antonio Spurs have waived forward Jeremy Sochan after failing to find a trade partner for the former lottery pick.
According to league sources, both the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns showed interest in Sochan ahead of the deadline, but talks never materialized into a deal. With both teams still holding open roster spots, it’s worth keeping an eye on whether they circle back now that Sochan is a free agent.
Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, came into the league with plenty of promise and delivered early on. He averaged double-digit scoring in each of his first three seasons and earned Second Team All-Rookie honors in 2023 after putting up 11 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. His physical, switchable defense on the wing and high motor made him a standout on a rebuilding Spurs team.
But this season, his role took a sharp turn. Sochan saw his minutes drop dramatically-down to just 12.8 per game across 28 appearances-and his production followed suit, averaging only 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds. Whether it was a shift in the Spurs’ developmental priorities or concerns about his availability, the writing seemed to be on the wall.
Injuries have certainly played a part in Sochan’s uneven trajectory. He’s struggled to stay consistently on the floor, playing fewer than 60 games in three of his first four seasons. Over the past two years, he’s appeared in just 82 total games.
Still, there’s a reason contenders are sniffing around. Sochan’s defensive versatility and energy make him a compelling low-risk, high-upside addition for a playoff-bound team looking to shore up depth on the wing. He’s still only 23 and carries a pedigree that includes a standout collegiate run at Baylor.
He’s currently on a $7.1 million expiring deal and will become a restricted free agent if he clears waivers within 48 hours. That gives teams like the Knicks and Suns a short window to make a move if they want to bring him in without a bidding war.
For now, Sochan hits the open market, and while his time in San Antonio may be over, his NBA story might just be getting a new chapter.