The Spurs have reportedly given Jeremy Sochan permission to seek a trade, according to NBA Insider Stein, with several teams rumored to be interested.
SAN ANTONIO — According to Marc Stein’s report, league sources say the San Antonio Spurs have granted forward Jeremy Sochan and his representation permission to explore a trade.
“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 reports.
If the report is accurate, it is not surprising he may be seeking a relocation.
Sochan is experiencing his lowest playing time of the season, averaging just 13.1 minutes per game. He has spent most of the season on the bench, resulting in a career-low Usage Rate of 15%.
According to another report, several teams are interested in him, including the Suns, Hornets, Lakers, and Knicks.
At 22 years old, Sochan could be traded if he does not align with the Spurs’ current and future plans.
He is a physical player known for his strong, versatile defense, hustle, and high energy on the court. However, he has not significantly improved his offensive skills, particularly his perimeter shooting, averaging only 28% from the three-point line throughout his career.
Since the Spurs could improve their perimeter shooting (22nd in 3-point percentage at 34.8% and 13th in field goal percentage at 47.1%), a trade involving Sochan might help address this significant team need if San Antonio wants to explore it.
Also, due to established rotation players such as Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and Keldon Johnson ahead of him, and rookie Carter Bryant seeing minutes and his potential to be a strong “3-and-D” player, Sochan lacks a clear role.
It should be noted that Sochan had a stretch of games from Dec. 2, when he played well against Memphis, recording 11 points, two steals, and six rebounds, to Dec. 8, when he played well against New Orleans, posting 10 points and five rebounds.
In that span, he averaged 6.8 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and 54% shooting from the field in 16 minutes per game.
But those outings have been few.
Also, this does not mean he is certainly getting traded at the NBA Trade Deadline. If true, this is just an exploratory option that the Spurs are reportedly allowing Sochan and his team.
This season, the Spurs are winning without him playing substantial minutes; they struggled with a point guard experiment involving him, and are not utilizing him. Perhaps a fresh start elsewhere could benefit everyone.
Sochan will be a restricted free agent this offseason. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. CST.