The San Antonio Spurs made a surprising move ahead of the All-Star break, waiving former lottery pick Jeremy Sochan just after the NBA trade deadline. While the decision may have been rooted in a long-term vision for cap flexibility, it’s hard to ignore the missed opportunity here-especially considering how much interest Sochan drew the moment he hit the open market.
Let’s start with the player himself. Sochan, taken ninth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, came into the league with a reputation as a high-motor, switchable defender who could guard multiple positions.
That reputation held true in San Antonio. He brought energy, toughness, and defensive versatility-traits every team covets, especially in the modern NBA where wings and forwards are the engines of both ends of the floor.
But offensively, Sochan never quite found his rhythm. The Spurs experimented with his role, often using him outside of his natural position.
That kind of developmental tinkering can be valuable in the long run, but in Sochan’s case, it may have stunted his growth as a scorer and playmaker. He remained a one-dimensional contributor-strong on defense, limited on offense-and that lack of balance ultimately impacted his minutes.
Still, the decision to waive him outright is puzzling, especially considering the context.
A Trade That Didn’t Happen
According to reports, the Spurs were in talks with the New York Knicks about a potential deal involving Sochan before the deadline. But the sticking point?
Guerschon Yabusele, who would have likely been part of the trade package. The Spurs reportedly didn’t want to take on Yabusele’s contract, which includes a player option for next season.
That hesitation cost them. Rather than securing any kind of return-be it a rotational piece, a developmental shooter, or even a late-round draft pick-San Antonio let Sochan walk for nothing. And once he cleared waivers, the league took notice.
Ten teams reportedly reached out to Sochan and his camp after his release. That’s a significant number, especially in a buyout market that’s typically thin on impactful forwards. The Knicks ultimately signed him, but it’s clear that the Spurs had options, even if they didn’t like the price tag attached to them.
Cap Flexibility vs. Asset Management
It’s understandable that the Spurs are thinking ahead. They’ve got a young core led by Victor Wembanyama, and they’re clearly positioning themselves to be players in free agency this summer. Veterans like Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk are set to hit the market, and San Antonio may be eyeing more experienced pieces to complement their youth movement.
But letting a 20-year-old defensive specialist with upside walk for nothing? That’s a tough pill to swallow. Even if Sochan’s offensive game hasn’t developed as hoped, his defensive impact and age alone should’ve been enough to draw at least some form of return-whether that’s a second-round pick, a backup big like Nick Richards, or a young shooter buried on someone else’s bench.
And let’s be honest: Yabusele’s player option wasn’t going to break the bank. If the Spurs truly believed Sochan no longer fit their vision, fine. But to pass up trade value to preserve a bit of short-term cap space feels like a misstep.
A Quiet Exit, A Loud Message
To their credit, the Spurs and Sochan reportedly parted on good terms. There’s something to be said for maintaining strong relationships with players and agents across the league. That goodwill matters, especially for a franchise that’s trying to rebuild its culture around a generational talent in Wembanyama.
But in a league where asset management is everything, this one’s going to raise eyebrows. Sochan may not be a future All-Star, but he’s already the most coveted player to hit the buyout market this season. That includes names like Cam Thomas, who’s had his own flashes of scoring brilliance.
So, what’s the takeaway here? The Spurs made a calculated decision to prioritize financial flexibility over squeezing value from a former top-10 pick.
Maybe they believe that flexibility will pay off in the summer. Maybe they wanted to give Sochan the freedom to find the right fit elsewhere.
But when ten teams are calling a guy the moment he’s waived, it’s hard not to wonder if San Antonio gave up too soon-and got too little in return.