Jeremy Sochan Waived by Spurs, Set for Fresh Start in Free Agency
Jeremy Sochan’s time in San Antonio has officially come to an end. The Spurs announced that they’ve waived the fourth-year forward, clearing the way for the 22-year-old to hit the open market and explore a new chapter in his NBA journey.
It’s a move that had been brewing for a while. Sochan had slipped out of the Spurs’ rotation back in December and was seen as a prime candidate for a change of scenery ahead of the trade deadline. San Antonio reportedly gave his camp the green light to seek out potential deals prior to February 5, but nothing materialized before the buzzer.
Now, with Sochan on waivers and his $7.1 million expiring contract unlikely to be claimed, he’s expected to clear and become an unrestricted free agent. According to league reports, multiple teams are already showing interest - and for good reason.
Through his first three seasons, Sochan logged 149 starts and averaged 27.3 minutes per game, posting 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Those are solid numbers for a young forward still finding his identity in the league.
What’s always stood out, though, is his defensive versatility. Sochan has the length, mobility, and instincts to guard multiple positions - traits that earned him consistent minutes under Gregg Popovich and Mitch Johnson.
But while the defensive upside is real, the offensive fit has been a tougher puzzle to solve. Sochan has struggled to find consistency with his shot, hitting just 28.7% from three over his career.
That shooting clip has limited his effectiveness in today’s spacing-heavy game, and it didn’t help that the Spurs never quite settled on a defined role for him. At different points, he was asked to be a point forward, a small-ball five, and everything in between.
That kind of role fluidity can be a blessing for some players, but in Sochan’s case, it may have hindered his development.
There was some thought he might ride out the season in San Antonio - especially after the trade deadline passed without a deal and reports suggested a buyout wasn’t in the cards. But with minutes hard to come by and a clear path forward in the rotation no longer there, both sides opted to part ways.
Now, the question becomes: where does Sochan land next?
His youth, defensive chops, and untapped potential make him an intriguing target for a variety of teams. Playoff contenders could see him as a plug-and-play defender off the bench, while younger squads might view him as a long-term project worth investing in beyond this season. The Spurs reportedly had discussions with the Suns, Bulls, and Knicks before the deadline, though it’s unclear whether those talks were driven by Sochan’s on-court value or the flexibility of his expiring deal.
Another wrinkle: because he’s still in his fourth NBA season, Sochan remains eligible for a two-way contract. That could open the door for teams without a full-time roster spot to bring him into the fold in a more developmental role - though given the reported interest, he may not need to go that route.
At just 22, Sochan still has plenty of time to carve out a meaningful role in the league. He’s shown flashes of being a high-impact defender with playmaking instincts, and if he can find a system that better suits his skill set - and maybe unlock a more reliable jumper - there’s still a lot of upside to tap into.
For now, Sochan gets what he’s been looking for: a fresh start. And for teams in need of defensive versatility and untapped potential, he just might be one of the more intriguing late-season adds on the market.