Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Handling Trade Chatter

Coach Mitch Johnson praises Sochan's professionalism amid diminished playing time and trade rumors.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised forward Jeremy Sochan for his professional approach despite greatly reduced playing time and reports that the team is shopping him ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Sochan, who was the Spurs' 2022 first-round draft pick, has seen his minutes drop significantly this season after averaging 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists last year. Johnson called Sochan a "consummate professional" and said he's handled the situation well, whether on the bench cheering on his teammates or making the most of his limited opportunities.

Why it matters

The Spurs' handling of their 2022 draft class, including potentially trading Sochan, has been a source of scrutiny. Sochan was the team's first-round pick that year, and if he's dealt, it would mean the entire class has been moved on from in less than two years, raising questions about the team's draft strategy and player development.

The details

Sochan, a Baylor alumnus, is averaging just 4.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 13.1 minutes per game this season, down significantly from his rookie campaign. The Stein Line reported earlier this week that the Spurs have given Sochan and his representatives permission to seek a new home ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Sochan was ruled out of the Spurs' recent win over the Rockets, but was still on the bench supporting his teammates.

  • Sochan's playing time has diminished since mid-December.
  • The Spurs' 2022 first-round draft class, which included Sochan, has already seen two members (Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley) traded last summer.

The players

Jeremy Sochan

A 2022 first-round draft pick of the Spurs who has seen his playing time and production decline significantly in his second NBA season.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who praised Sochan's professionalism amid the trade chatter.

Brian Wright

The general manager of the San Antonio Spurs, who was seen chatting with Sochan at a recent practice.

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What they’re saying

“He's been great, whether you see him on the bench and the interactions with his teammates when he hasn't played or when he's gotten opportunities to play and made the most of them. Jeremy has been here now for four years and built up a lot of equity within this organization. I've appreciated his approach and his willingness to participate in every way we've asked him to this year.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Head Coach (expressnews.com)

“I hope they always feel we're up front and honest with them. There's a lot of chatter and narratives going on, all the time. There are certain times where certain subject are more talked about – the trade deadline is something that will be talked about a lot in the next week. We just try to control the things we can control. Try to win the game, and then tomorrow we've got to get up and go to work again. That's been the approach since October.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Head Coach (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Spurs will decide whether to trade Sochan ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline.

The takeaway

Sochan's situation highlights the challenges young players can face when their playing time and production declines, as well as the Spurs' willingness to move on quickly from their recent draft picks as they rebuild the roster.