Jeremy Sochan is reportedly unhappy with his role with the San Antonio Spurs and wants out of the Alamo City. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Sochan’s representatives have received permission to shop his services before the trade deadline.
“League sources say that Jeremy Sochan and his representation have received permission from the Spurs to explore the landscape for a potential new home via trade,” Stein reported.
Former Lottery Pick Wants To Leave The Alamo, Where Could He Land & What Would His Trade Bring In Return?
It is probably fair to say that Sochan has not lived up to the hype of being the No.9 overall pick in the loaded 2022 draft. In the same token, it would be unfair to say the 22-year-old has been a bust.
Sochan has been a relatively productive rotational player for the Spurs. But, he has seen his role reduced in each of his last two seasons and is now the 10th or 11th man in second-year coach Mitch Johnson‘s rotation. A significant reason for Sochan’s reduced role is that the Spurs have improved their talent.
Over the last two seasons, San Antonio has added Stephon Castle, De’aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, and Dylan Harper. Plus, Julian Champagnie has stepped up his production since the beginning of 2024-25.
San Antonio entered tonight’s contest against Houston in second place in the Western Conference with a 32-15 record. The Spurs, who are on pace for their best season since the 2014-15 campaign, defeated Houston 111-99 last night for their eighth victory in their previous 14 contests. They have not made the playoffs since the 2018-19 campaign.
Sochan was inactive for the Spurs against the Rockets due to a quad injury, marking the sixth game he has missed. Sochan averages just 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13 minutes over 27 appearances. He has scored in double-figures only four times this year, with shooting splits of 48/25.7/68.8.
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Does Jeremy Sochan Have Value Around the League?
Teams have shown interest in the 6-8 versatile forward. Sochan is a menace on defense and a connective playmaker on offense. While not a traditional scorer, Sochan averages 10 points a game for his career. He is an excellent cutter, excels in handoff situations, and loves to push the pace.
But, defense is Sochan’s actual calling card. Sochan is a high-energy physical defender who can guard all five positions, rebound, and force opponents into uncomfortable positions.
One of the main reasons that Sochan’s role has been reduced is his shooting. Sochan is only a career 28.7% shooter from beyond the arc. His lack of shooting hurts spacing.
Still, Sochan reportedly has value around the league. Sochan is slated to be a restricted free agent this summer. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the New York Knicks are among several teams that have shown interest in acquiring the Baylor product.
“In discussions with the Spurs, the Knicks have inquired about 2022 ninth overall pick Jeremy Sochan,” sources told Siegel. “Sochan is in the final year of his rookie contract and will be a restricted free agent in the summer. His defensive versatility at either forward position and slashing abilities on offense would fit in with New York’s style of play.”
However, Michael Scotto of Hoopshype is skeptical that a deal between the Knicks and Spurs will occur.
“There was also trade chatter of a [Guerschon] Yabusele, and [Pacome] Dadiet package for Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, but San Antonio was not willing to take on Yabusele’s $5.78 million player option for next season, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Other Teams Interested In Jeremy Sochan
So, based on New York’s reported offer, San Antonio figures to get at least a second-round pick (2026-2028) and matching salaries in return. It is possible the Spurs could get a youngster like Dadiet and multiple second-round selections in return.
NBA Insider Evan Sidery reports that the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Hornets are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for Sochan.
Los Angeles Lakers
Sochan appears to be a perfect fit for the Lakers, as LA desperately needs switchable defenders who don’t need the ball. He would fit nicely alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić as a cutter, screener, and defender who can create chaos. Sochan would be part of the Lakers’ second unit.
Salary constraints and a lack of draft picks limit the Lakers. A potential trade could have the Lakers send Jake LaRavia, Adou Thierro, and perhaps a 2032 first- or second-round pick to the Spurs for Sochan. The Lakers may do this deal, though they would likely prefer to send out Dalton Knecht.
San Antonio has 15 players under contract, so the Spurs would have to waive someone or make a salary dump trade to make the deal work.
Phoenix Suns
Sochan is also projected to be an excellent fit for the Suns, who are reportedly seeking a switchable defender for their second unit. He fits the Suns’ need for physicality and energy.
Phoenix also doesn’t have much to trade, but Nick Richards and a top-14 2030 first-round pick for Sochan may work.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago doesn’t make much sense unless the Bulls can exile Patrick Williams. The Bulls also have Isaac Okoro, so they already have plenty of nonshooters. On the other hand, the Bulls could be retooling the roster this offseason, and Sochan is a talent.
The Bulls could swap Coby White for Sochran (via the middle-level exception) straight up. There could also be draft picks exchanged if need be.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is believed to be interested in defensive culture builders. The Hornets are a young team, so Sochan figures to fit in.
Charlotte could send Josh Green and Miami’s 2027 first-round pick (top-14 protected) to the Spurs for Sochan.