San Antonio Spurs Release Forward After Falling Out of Rotation
The San Antonio Spurs have waived forward Jeremy Sochan, allowing the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent, the team announced Wednesday. The move comes after Sochan failed to land a trade at the deadline and has seen his minutes evaporate in recent weeks as San Antonio adjusts its roster and playing rotation.
Sochan, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has played limited minutes this season, appearing in just 28 games while averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and one assist. More troubling for the 22-year-old, he has not played more than five minutes in a game since January 7, sitting behind a crowded depth chart featuring Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson and Kelly Olynyk.
Path Out of San Antonio
The emergence of rookie forward Carter Bryant—drafted 14th overall in 2025—accelerated Sochan’s departure from the lineup. Bryant has flashed significant upside as a two-way contributor, connecting on 40% from three-point range in recent games while logging steals and blocks that earned him consistent playing time.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Sochan’s professionalism during his benching, though the organizational decision was clear: Bryant represented a higher ceiling moving forward. “He’s been asked to be the role of defensive disruptor and to be a versatile piece offensively for us,” Johnson said. “I know Jeremy is wanting to play more, like many of the people that aren’t playing as much and I’m glad that he wants that.”
Free Agency Interest Expected
With an expiring $7.1 million contract, Sochan’s $7.1MM salary is unlikely to draw waiver claims, clearing a path to unrestricted free agency. Multiple NBA teams are expected to pursue the forward, who remains a solid and versatile defender despite shooting struggles that plagued his San Antonio tenure—he made just 28.7% of his career three-pointers.
Over four seasons with the Spurs, Sochan averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game during his first three seasons, when he logged over 27 minutes nightly. His role has fluctuated throughout his tenure, deployed as a point guard, small-ball center and utility forward as San Antonio searched for the optimal fit.
“I’m not going to lie to you and say it was rainbows and sunshine all day,” Sochan said in a statement. “There’s been moments where it’s very hard. I’ve been in the league for four years and this is kind of the first time where this has happened to me. Even if you can’t see the light, I think if you keep working and put your efforts and your mind in the right place, you’re always going to find it somewhere.”
