The San Antonio Spurs have officially parted ways with forward Jeremy Sochan, ending a four-year chapter that began with promise but fizzled into diminished playing time and uncertainty. The Polish standout, once celebrated as a 2023 All-Rookie team member, will now test the free agent market after the organization agreed to release him from his contract.
Sochan entered the league as the ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft, immediately making waves with his versatility and earning Rising Stars honors in both his rookie and sophomore campaigns. But the trajectory that once pointed upward has instead taken a sharp detour, with the 6-foot-9 forward finding himself sidelined and searching for a fresh start.
Dramatic fall from rotation mainstay
The numbers tell a sobering story. Through 28 appearances this season, Sochan averaged a mere 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and one assist per contest. His minutes evaporated to single digits, with a particularly brutal stretch since mid-January showcasing appearances of just four, four, 10, two and four minutes. For a player who once seemed destined for a foundational role in the Spurs’ rebuild alongside Victor Wembanyama, the decline has been jarring.
While his field goal percentage remained respectable at 47.5 percent, his three-point shooting cratered to 25.7 percent, exposing limitations that opposing defenses exploited mercilessly. The Spurs listed him as not with the team on injury reports before finalizing the separation, a telltale sign that the relationship had deteriorated beyond repair.
Phoenix emerges as prime suitor
The Phoenix Suns had aggressively pursued Sochan before the trade deadline, seeking an upgrade at power forward that could inject more offensive punch into their rotation. Though those talks went nowhere initially, the Suns maneuvered themselves into position by executing a three-team deal that brought in Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony while shipping out Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Anthony is expected to be waived, conveniently opening a roster spot.
Insider Michael Scotto identified Phoenix alongside the New York Knicks as the most logical destinations for the newly minted free agent. The Suns, sitting seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-22 record, successfully avoided luxury tax penalties at the deadline but clearly remained hungry for frontcourt reinforcements. Landing Sochan without surrendering draft capital would represent a significant coup.
Current starter Royce O’Neale has provided steady three-point shooting but offers little else offensively. Sochan would theoretically provide more scoring versatility, though his recent struggles raise questions about whether he can immediately contribute at the level Phoenix needs for a playoff push.
Contract complications simplified
Sochan was slated to carry a $9.62 million qualifying offer this summer, a number that would have made him a restricted free agent and complicated any potential deals. By agreeing to the release, both sides effectively wiped that obligation off the board, giving the forward unfettered freedom to negotiate with any interested franchise.
Suns insider John Gambadoro had previously tempered expectations, stating that while Phoenix likes Sochan, they remain uncertain whether he fits their specific needs. The hesitation is understandable given his recent performance and the financial commitment required to retain him beyond this season.
Knicks lurking as alternative option
New York also engaged in pre-deadline discussions surrounding Sochan and similarly possesses an available roster spot. The Knicks have been aggressive in pursuing versatile forwards who can switch defensively and provide secondary playmaking, though their offensive system demands more consistent perimeter shooting than Sochan has demonstrated lately.
The Polish international’s defensive instincts and switchability remain his calling cards, qualities that could prove valuable for a contending team willing to accept his offensive inconsistencies. His youth suggests untapped potential, though patience may be required from whichever organization takes the gamble.
What went wrong in San Antonio
The Spurs’ decision to move on from Sochan reflects broader organizational questions about roster construction and development. Despite his early accolades, the coaching staff never seemed to identify a defined role that maximized his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. His minutes fluctuated wildly, and his confidence appeared to erode as opportunities vanished.
Whether this represents a failure of player development or simply a mismatch of skill sets remains debatable. What is certain is that both parties recognized the need for a reset, allowing Sochan to pursue a situation where he might recapture the promise that once made him a lottery selection.
The coming days will reveal which NBA franchise believes they can unlock what San Antonio could not, and whether Sochan can resurrect a career that has stalled at a critical juncture. For the Spurs, the chapter closes on another draft pick whose tenure ended prematurely, raising uncomfortable questions about their ability to cultivate young talent beyond their generational cornerstone..
Source: Sports Illustrated
