The San Antonio Spurs made a notable move this week, releasing Jeremy Sochan to free up a roster spot. And with the team sitting at 38-16 - second in the Western Conference - that open slot suddenly becomes a key piece in their postseason puzzle.
This isn’t a rebuilding team anymore. This is a group looking to win now, and the Spurs are positioning themselves to make one final addition that could help push them over the top.
Led by the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs already boast a strong young core that includes De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Julian Champagnie. But as any playoff-tested team knows, depth matters.
Especially when the games slow down and rotations tighten. San Antonio has the top-line talent - now they’re looking for the right veteran or role player to round out the bench and bring a little more punch to their playoff run.
The current free-agent market doesn’t offer much in terms of game-changers, but the buyout market? That’s where things could get interesting. Here are four potential targets who could become available - and who could make a real impact in San Antonio.
Jusuf Nurkić: Veteran Size and Playmaking
At 6'11", Jusuf Nurkić has the size, skill, and experience to be exactly what the Spurs need behind Wembanyama. With Utah clearly in a full-scale rebuild, Nurkić - now 31 and on an expiring deal - finds himself in a situation that doesn’t align with his current stage of career.
He’s still producing, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting over 50% from the field and a surprising 35.2% from deep. That kind of efficiency and versatility from a big man is rare - and valuable.
For San Antonio, the need is clear: they could use another big who can hold his own when Wemby sits. Nurkić brings not only size and rebounding but also high-level passing for a center, which would keep the Spurs’ offense flowing even with bench units. He’s the kind of steady veteran who could thrive in a defined role on a contending team - and finally get a taste of meaningful postseason basketball.
Khris Middleton: Championship Pedigree and Veteran Poise
Khris Middleton may not be the All-Star he once was, but that doesn’t mean he’s done making an impact. Recently traded to Dallas, Middleton finds himself on a roster that’s trending younger - and possibly not part of their long-term plans. If a buyout is on the table, the Spurs should be paying attention.
Middleton’s numbers - 10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game - don’t leap off the page, but his value goes beyond the box score. He’s a seasoned playoff performer with a championship ring, and he knows what it takes to win when the lights are brightest.
For a Spurs team with a young core, that kind of leadership could be invaluable. Offensively, he can still space the floor and create his own shot, giving San Antonio another reliable option in crunch time.
If he becomes available, he’d be one of the most playoff-ready veterans on the market.
Marvin Bagley III: A Project With Upside
Marvin Bagley III’s NBA journey has been anything but smooth, but at 26 years old, there’s still time for him to carve out a meaningful role - especially on a team like the Spurs that knows how to develop talent. Bagley’s athleticism and versatility as a 6'10" forward/center make him an intriguing option. He’s averaging 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 62.1% from the field and an eye-popping 45.0% from three.
He’s not a finished product, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. San Antonio has the infrastructure to help him find consistency, and in return, they’d gain a high-energy big who can run the floor, finish lobs, and give them a different look off the bench.
For a team looking to win now while still building for the future, Bagley checks a lot of boxes. If he’s bought out, the Spurs could be a perfect landing spot.
Matisse Thybulle: Defensive Disruptor
Matisse Thybulle has long been known as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders - a guy with the length, instincts, and quickness to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. But with Portland shifting its focus to younger pieces like Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, Thybulle’s role has diminished. He’s only appeared in four games this season, but even in that limited sample, he’s averaged 2.5 steals per game while shooting 60.0% from the field and 66.7% from three.
The shooting numbers likely won’t hold, but the defense? That’s real.
Thybulle’s ability to guard multiple positions and generate turnovers would be a major asset for San Antonio’s second unit. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and his energy on the defensive end could be a game-changer in tight playoff matchups.
If he hits the buyout market, he’d be a natural fit for a Spurs team that already boasts one of the league’s most versatile defenders in Wembanyama.
Final Thoughts
The Spurs are in a rare position - young, talented, and already winning. With one roster spot open and the playoffs approaching, the front office has a chance to make a move that could elevate this team from dangerous to downright scary. Whether it's a veteran like Middleton or Nurkić, or a high-upside swing like Bagley or Thybulle, the right addition could go a long way in helping San Antonio make real noise this postseason.
The pieces are already in place. Now it’s just a matter of finding the right final fit.