The San Antonio Spurs released forward Jeremy Sochan on Wednesday, ending the 22-year-old’s four-season tenure with the franchise and allowing the 2023 All-Rookie selection to enter unrestricted free agency.
League sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that several teams have already expressed interest in the ninth pick of the 2022 NBA draft. San Antonio and Sochan explored trade possibilities before last week’s deadline, but no agreement materialized.
Sochan has logged more than five minutes only twice since Jan. 7, a reduction that coincided with the rapid rise of rookie forward Carter Bryant, the No. 14 pick in 2025. Bryant has averaged 40% shooting from three-point range over his last two games while adding a steal and three blocks, cutting into Sochan’s playing time.
“I’m not going to say it was rainbows and sunshine all day,” Sochan said of his shrinking role. “There were tough moments, but if you keep working and put your mind in the right place, you’ll find the light somewhere.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson praised Sochan’s attitude before Tuesday’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. “He’s been a defensive disruptor and a versatile offensive piece for us,” Johnson noted. “Right now he’s not in the rotation—that’s my decision—but he shows up every day with professionalism, and that’s what this league requires.”
In 28 appearances this season, Sochan averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist while shooting 47.5% from the floor. San Antonio previously experimented with him at point guard during Victor Wembanyama’s rookie campaign, when Sochan produced a career-best 31-point, 14-rebound performance.
Sources said the forward sought an environment where he could contribute immediately. “I left home at 15, and this is the first place I’ve stayed longer than a year since then,” Sochan reflected. “I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this city, and I’ll bring that wherever I go next.”
Source: ESPN
