The 2026 NBA trade deadline came and went with its usual flurry of surprises, but for Jeremy Sochan and the San Antonio Spurs, the buzzer sounded with no movement. Despite reports that the Spurs had given Sochan and his camp the green light to explore trade options ahead of the February 5 deadline, the versatile forward is staying put in San Antonio - at least for now.
While fans buzzed about the possibility of Sochan landing elsewhere, especially with unexpected teams reportedly showing interest, the 20-year-old forward has made his stance clear: he’s not pursuing a buyout. According to league sources, Sochan intends to finish the season with the Spurs, shutting the door on any speculation about an early exit.
Sochan’s decision comes at a pivotal time for both player and franchise. He’s appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 4.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and one assist per game - numbers that reflect a reduced role in a Spurs rotation that’s grown deeper and more competitive. Once a starter during the team’s rebuild phase, Sochan has struggled to carve out consistent minutes this season, leading to speculation that he might seek a fresh start elsewhere to reestablish his value ahead of free agency.
From the Spurs’ perspective, the trade market didn’t offer enough to justify a move. The front office reportedly didn’t see a deal worth pulling the trigger on, so rather than settling for a low return, they’re playing the long game.
The current plan? Explore sign-and-trade options this summer.
That way, they don’t lose Sochan for nothing and can potentially recoup a draft pick or a player who fits their evolving roster.
It’s a calculated move - one that signals the Spurs’ intent to maintain flexibility while still holding onto assets that could pay off later. And for Sochan, staying with the team through the end of the season gives him a chance to contribute, stay healthy, and potentially boost his stock before the offseason rolls around.
San Antonio, meanwhile, has bigger things on its plate. The Spurs are sitting in second place in the Western Conference with a 35-16 record - a remarkable turnaround for a team that not long ago was deep in rebuild mode.
With a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks looming at Frost Bank Arena, the focus is firmly on the playoff push. Sochan is currently listed as questionable for the game due to a quadriceps injury, but whether he suits up or not, his decision to stay signals a level of commitment that could still pay dividends down the stretch.
So while the deadline didn’t bring the fireworks some expected in San Antonio, the story isn’t over. Sochan’s future remains one to watch - just not until the summer.