The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly exploring the trade market for Jeremy Sochan ahead of the February deadline - and there’s a familiar face that could be part of the return package: Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy.
Now, let’s rewind for a second. The Spurs had a strong showing in the 2024 NBA Draft.
They landed Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick, and so far, he’s looked like the crown jewel of that class. Castle’s two-way impact and poise beyond his years have given San Antonio a foundational piece to build around.
They also made a savvy move by dealing Rob Dillingham’s draft rights to Minnesota in exchange for a future first-round pick and a swap. Dillingham hasn’t cracked the Timberwolves’ starting lineup yet, and while his long-term potential remains intriguing, the Spurs’ decision to prioritize flexibility and future capital is aging well.
In the second round, they added Harrison Ingram and Juan Núñez. Núñez is still overseas, currently sidelined in the Spanish League, while Ingram has been logging minutes in the G League on a two-way deal. Neither has made a major splash yet, but both remain developmental pieces with upside.
Then there’s Johnny Furphy - the Australian wing San Antonio selected 35th overall before flipping him to Indiana for cash considerations and the rights to Núñez. That trade might be one the Spurs want back.
Furphy isn’t lighting up scoreboards, but he’s quietly carving out a niche in Indiana. In his second NBA season, he’s shooting 35.6% from three - a solid mark that suggests room for growth as he gains confidence and minutes.
He’s also a better athlete than he gets credit for and rebounds well for his position. That’s the kind of wing profile that fits seamlessly into the Spurs’ long-term vision: a floor-spacer with bounce, energy, and a willingness to crash the glass.
So, here’s the mock trade that’s gaining traction: Sochan to Indiana, Furphy back to San Antonio.
On the surface, it’s a clean swap that addresses needs for both teams. The Spurs would be correcting a past misstep by bringing Furphy back into the fold, while the Pacers would get a versatile, defensive-minded forward in Sochan - someone who could thrive in a system built around elite playmakers like Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell.
For the Spurs, the appeal of Furphy is obvious. He fits the mold of what they’re building: positionless, athletic wings who can shoot and rebound.
Picture a second unit featuring Furphy, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, and Luke Kornet. That group brings energy, spacing, and enough shooting to keep defenses honest.
And if Julian Champagnie eventually slides into the starting five in place of Harrison Barnes - as many expect - Furphy gives San Antonio another option to keep the floor stretched when the starters rest.
Meanwhile, Indiana could benefit from Sochan’s defensive versatility. The Pacers have been one of the league’s most electric offensive teams, but their defense has hovered around the middle of the pack.
That’s where Sochan can make an impact. He brings switchability, toughness, and a high motor - all traits that could elevate Indiana’s defense, especially in the postseason.
His offensive game is still developing, particularly as a shooter, but in Indiana’s pass-heavy system, he wouldn’t need to be a primary scorer. With elite facilitators like Haliburton and McConnell setting the table, Sochan could feast on cuts, transition buckets, and mismatches - playing to his strengths without being asked to do too much.
Bottom line: this trade would be about fit. The Spurs would get a young, ascending shooter to bolster their wing depth.
The Pacers would add a defensive tone-setter who complements their offensive firepower. It’s a rare potential deal that makes sense for both sides - and one that could quietly reshape each team’s trajectory heading into the second half of the season.