Spurs Win Sixth Straight, Release Jeremy Sochan as Rotation Shifts
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs continued their impressive midseason surge on Wednesday night, taking down the Golden State Warriors 126-113 on the road. That win marked the Spurs' sixth straight, pushing their record to 38-16 and solidifying their spot as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. But while the on-court momentum is building, the front office made a notable move off the court earlier in the day.
San Antonio released forward Jeremy Sochan, a decision that signals a clear shift in the team’s direction and rotation strategy. The 22-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent.
Sochan’s Journey: From Starter to Odd Man Out
Sochan’s time in San Antonio has been anything but conventional. Drafted ninth overall in 2022 out of Baylor, he entered the league with a unique résumé-having played professionally overseas as a teenager before transitioning to college ball. That international experience gave him a maturity and versatility that the Spurs initially leaned on heavily.
In his first two seasons, Sochan was a fixture in the starting lineup, bringing defensive energy, positional flexibility, and a willingness to do the dirty work. But as the Spurs evolved-especially with the emergence of Wembanyama as the franchise centerpiece-Sochan’s role began to shrink.
By the 2024-25 season, his minutes were already trending down. This year, things hit a tipping point.
Sochan appeared in just 28 of San Antonio’s 53 games before his release, and he had clearly fallen out of the regular rotation. With the Spurs now focused on maximizing spacing and speed around Wembanyama, Sochan’s skill set-while valuable-didn’t quite fit the new puzzle.
Over nearly four seasons, Sochan logged 212 games and made 149 starts. His departure marks the end of a developmental chapter for both player and team.
What’s Next for Sochan? A Couple of Potential Fits
Now that Sochan is on the open market, the question becomes: where does he land next? At just 22, he still offers intriguing upside as a defensive-minded forward with experience and toughness. Two teams stand out as potential landing spots.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have two open roster spots after the trade deadline and could be in the market for depth at the forward position. Dominick Barlow, who’s made 36 starts this season, has stepped up, but adding another versatile body like Sochan could bolster the rotation.
In Philly, Sochan would likely be a bench piece, providing defensive intensity and rebounding in spot minutes. He’s not a game-changer offensively, but in a system that leans heavily on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, he wouldn’t need to be. A veteran minimum deal would make sense here, especially if the Sixers want to add a playoff-tested role player for the stretch run.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were active at the deadline, reshaping their roster around younger, high-upside talent like Anfernee Simons and Rob Dillingham. But while the backcourt is crowded, the frontcourt could use some reinforcements.
Sochan’s ability to guard multiple positions and play with energy could make him an intriguing fit in Chicago. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he brings a level of grit that could complement the Bulls’ new core. Again, a minimum deal would likely be the route, but the opportunity for meaningful minutes could be more available here than in Philly.
A New Chapter Ahead
Sochan’s release is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA. Just two seasons ago, he looked like a foundational piece in San Antonio.
Now, he’s looking for his next opportunity. But at 22, with nearly 150 starts under his belt, he’s far from done.
For the Spurs, it’s a sign of a team that’s fully pivoted to its next era-one built around Wembanyama and a modern, fast-paced style of play. And for Sochan, it’s a chance to find a new fit, reset, and remind people why he was a top-10 pick in the first place.