Jeremy Sochan released by the Spurs: end of a four-year journey
Jeremy Sochan leaves San Antonio after four seasons. The Spurs have officially parted ways with the 22-year-old forward, who becomes a free agent and can now choose his next NBA destination.
Jan 22, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) stretches before substituting in during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
The San Antonio Spurs finally closed the book on the Jeremy Sochan era Wednesday, waiving the 22-year-old forward after four uneven seasons in San Antonio. Drafted ninth overall in 2022, the Baylor product now hits free agency after the front office was unable to find a trade partner before the deadline — a quiet ending to a tenure that always seemed one adjustment away from clicking but never quite got there.
A gradual fall in the Spurs rotation
Sochan’s run in San Antonio began on solid footing. He cracked the rotation almost immediately, earned All-Rookie honors in 2023, and over his first three seasons settled in as a credible, if imperfect, contributor — 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in a little over 25 minutes per night.
Then the floor fell out. The 2025–26 season became a hard pivot point: Sochan slipped out of the regular rotation, appeared in just 28 of the Spurs’ first 53 games, and saw his production crater to 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 12.8 minutes. The rise of rookie Carter Bryant, taken 14th overall in 2025, accelerated the squeeze, leaving Sochan increasingly on the margins of a team that had moved on without him.
The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams. pic.twitter.com/ilLIWLz7gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2026
« I’m not going to lie to you and say it was rainbows and sunshine all day, » Sochan admitted. « There were some very difficult moments. I’ve been in the league for four years and this is the first time this has happened to me. »
A departure negotiated in mutual interest
Johnson, for his part, framed it as a credit to Sochan rather than an indictment. He praised the forward’s professionalism through an increasingly delicate stretch, highlighting his defensive versatility and competitive edge. “Jeremy is an excellent versatile defender,” Johnson said. “I know he wants to play more, like many of those who don’t play as much. That’s the competitive mindset you need to succeed in this league.”
Around the league, interest never fully crystallized into a deal. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns all registered interest ahead of the deadline, but with no trade agreement in place, San Antonio chose a clean break — releasing Sochan and giving him the opportunity to choose his next destination.
« When I think about my whole life, I’ve moved everywhere, » Sochan explained. « I left home at 15 and this is the first time I’ve stayed somewhere more than a year since. And it’s been four years. I’m going to put all of that into whatever team I’ll be with. »
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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