The San Antonio Spurs are in an interesting spot as we approach the trade deadline. With a 27-13 record and sitting third in the Western Conference, they’ve clearly arrived ahead of schedule. The question now is whether they ride the wave with their current core or cash in some chips to make a serious push for a deep playoff run.
And make no mistake - they’ve got the assets to make something happen. Draft capital, expiring contracts, and young talent give San Antonio the kind of flexibility most contenders would envy. But flexibility only matters if you’re willing to use it, and the Spurs’ front office now faces a decision that could shape the trajectory of their season - and possibly the next few years.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in trade talks: Jeremy Sochan.
According to league insiders, the fourth-year forward is a player to watch as San Antonio weighs its options. Sochan, still just 22, has had a diminished role this season and hasn’t quite found his rhythm.
Through 25 games, he’s averaging career lows across the board - 4.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. That’s a steep drop for a player who once looked like a key part of the Spurs’ future.
But while the numbers don’t jump off the page, Sochan’s value isn’t just about the box score. He’s shown flashes of real two-way potential since entering the league - a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and a capable finisher around the rim. Last season, he hit 59% of his two-point shots, a sign that in the right system - one with more floor spacing - he could thrive.
That’s part of the calculus here. San Antonio’s system, heavy on development and ball movement, may not be the ideal fit for Sochan right now. Meanwhile, his expiring contract - along with that of veteran Kelly Olynyk - gives the Spurs a clean way to match salaries in a deal that could bring back a more win-now piece.
If the Spurs do decide to make a move, it won’t be out of desperation. They’ve been one of the league’s most balanced teams this season, with a young core that’s learning how to win and a coaching staff that’s squeezing the most out of its roster. But with the West as competitive as ever, the margin between a good team and a great one can come down to a single trade.
Sochan may not be the centerpiece of a blockbuster, but he’s exactly the kind of player who could help get a deal across the finish line - a young, defensively versatile forward with untapped upside. For a team looking to add depth or take a chance on a reclamation project, he’s a worthwhile gamble.
The Spurs, meanwhile, have to decide if that gamble is worth more to someone else than it is to them.
They’re not just playing for this season - but with the way things are trending, this season might be worth playing for.