The Spurs have agreed to grant Jeremy Sochan his release, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). The team officially announced in a press release that the fourth-year forward has been placed on waivers.
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Sochan had fallen out of San Antonio’s rotation since December and was viewed as a change-of-scenery candidate ahead of last week’s trade deadline. The club reportedly gave his representatives permission to explore a potential move leading up to February 5.
The Spurs, one of three NBA teams not to make an in-season trade, didn’t make a deadline deal involving Sochan, but he’ll still get a chance at a fresh start before the summer. Assuming no team places a waiver claim on the forward and his expiring $7.1MM expiring contract, which is probably a safe bet, he’ll reach unrestricted free agency and will have the opportunity to sign outright with any NBA club. According to Charania, multiple teams are expected to have interest.
Sochan made 149 starts and averaged 27.3 minutes per game in his first three seasons with the Spurs, contributing 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest during that time.
Although he’s a solid, versatile defender who earned a regular spot in Gregg Popovich‘s and Mitch Johnson‘s rotations for several years, Sochan has struggled with his shot, having made just 28.7% of his career three-pointers. It also never seemed as if the Spurs entirely figured out how they wanted to use him — at various times, he was deployed as a point guard, a small-ball center, and almost everything in between.
Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported after the trade deadline that Sochan wasn’t expected to negotiate a buyout with the Spurs and would likely finish the season in San Antonio, but the 22-year-old’s plans changed within the past week as he remained out of Johnson’s rotation, Weiss tweets.
It will be interesting to see whether Sochan draws more interest from playoff contenders looking for help in the short term or from retooling teams who view him as more than just a rest-of-season addition. The Spurs reportedly discussed possible Sochan deals with the Suns, Bulls, and Knicks prior to the deadline, though it’s unclear whether all of those teams had legitimate interest in him as a player or were intrigued by his expiring contract for cap-related reasons.
Because he’s in his fourth NBA season, Sochan technically remains two-way eligible, so that could be an option if he isn’t offered a standard contract or wants to join a team without a 15-man roster spot available.
Shocking move… He must of asked out…
He was out of the rotation, but was an injury away from being able to get a chance to shine on a playoff team…
A chance to shine on a lower ranked team than Spurs may of been his want… to build his first contract after his rookie…
Will be a defensive boon to whomever picks him up… A bit like Vando in LA… he will need to get that outside shot working…
Yes, he must have.
Offensively challenged in a offensive oriented league.
Unless I’m not aware of any off court stuff, or injuries, multiple teams should jump on this. I am hoping the Heat would, but there are a lot of teams that could use help at smallball 5 or defensively at the 4
Lakers should be one of those teams, off the top of my head
I really liked him in his draft, despite offensive issues. Needs a good fot woth shooting and versatility around him. Was used outnofnposition at times, but I’ve been a little burnt out these last couple of years, so I haven’t paid nearly as much attention as I generally would
Lakers, Memphis?
Don’t get this at all. If Jeremy and team fell apart. He should have been moved at TD. This is a 2way game. His shooting can improve. Rebounding and playing D is important too.
Teams that need talent should pick him up.
Nets, Kings, Bucks, Jazz, Clippers, Bulls, Hornets all could use a 22 yr old. Who playsD and rebounds. I guess a guy like Rodman or Wallace couldn’t play today ???? If he clears waivers love to see Knicks grab him. Its what Towns needs next to him.
His shooting “can improve”? But it hasn’t.
Bye Felicia
One less reckless driver to worry about at the alamo
Put more time into his hair color than his jumper. Later bro
GSW has both a regular roster and a 2way spot open…please…instant Kuminga replacement…