Spurs Part Ways with Jeremy Sochan

22-year-old forward expected to sign with New York Knicks

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a contract buyout with 22-year-old forward Jeremy Sochan, who is expected to sign a league-minimum deal with the New York Knicks once he clears waivers. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson cited Sochan's desire for more playing time and opportunity as the reason for the parting of ways.

Why it matters

Sochan was part of the Spurs' ill-fated 2022 draft class, which saw all three of their first-round picks - Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley - no longer with the team. This move signals a shift in the Spurs' roster and a willingness to part ways with young talent in search of a better fit.

The details

Sochan, the 9th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had expressed a desire for more playing time and opportunity with the Spurs. The team was unable to move him before the trade deadline and decided to grant his request for a buyout, allowing him to sign with the Knicks and potentially face his former team on March 1 at Madison Square Garden.

  • On February 12, 2026, the Spurs announced they had agreed to a contract buyout with Jeremy Sochan.
  • Sochan is expected to sign a league-minimum deal with the New York Knicks once he clears waivers.

The players

Jeremy Sochan

A 22-year-old forward who was the 9th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Malaki Branham

A first-round pick (20th overall) by the Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Blake Wesley

A first-round pick (25th overall) by the Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“We were all very aware of his desire to be in the rotation and given more of an opportunity, especially recently. We wanted to do right by him and make sure he had that opportunity before the year was over.”

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

“I've moved around a lot throughout my life and this is the longest I've been in the same place since I was 15 years old. I'll always have love for San Antonio! Everything happens for a reason (and) time will tell.”

— Jeremy Sochan (social media)

What’s next

Sochan is expected to sign with the New York Knicks on a league-minimum deal once he clears waivers, setting up a potential reunion with his former team on March 1 at Madison Square Garden.

The takeaway

The Spurs' decision to part ways with Sochan, a 2022 first-round pick, highlights the team's willingness to move on from young talent in search of a better fit, as all three of their 2022 first-round selections are no longer with the team.