Spurs news: trade season heats up and Sochan goes to war

The San Antonio Spurs ended their five-game losing streak, beating the shorthanded Nets at the AT&T Center with a score of 98-106. Keldon Johnson posted a career-best 36 points and appears to have gotten his shot back, but Jeremy Sochan stole the show. 

The 19-year-old rookie chirped at Markieff Morris until Morris couldn’t stand it any longer, and the dust-up started with Sochan wrestling Morris to the ground after a hard screen and Zach Collins running in, fists flying to defend the teenager. 

Suffice it to say Sochan is currently the fan-favorite in San Antonio. He relishes getting under the skin of opponents and does so with the savviness of an NBA veteran. 

More Spurs News

It looks like the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are leading the way in Jakob Poeltl trade talks, but the asking price remains high. The Spurs seem steadfast in receiving two first-round picks for the big man. 

Blake Wesley posted 29 points against the Stockton Kings during his last G-League game, and there are calls for him to get real NBA minutes. Popovich and company seem more interested in using Josh Richardson off the bench, but the Notre Dame product looks like another Spurs’ steal in the draft.

The Spurs have announced a partnership with Victory Capital Holdings Inc on the organization's business side. The group was granted naming rights to the new training facility and performance center on the north side of town, which should dispel any rumors that the Spurs are considering relocation. And if that’s not enough evidence, I can think of 68,323 reasons why the Spurs will call SA home for the long haul.

News Around the NBA

The Wizards have apparently made forward Rui Hachimura available for trade. The fourth-year youngster is averaging 12.9 points this season on 35% shooting, all off the bench. 

Hachimura joins New York’s Cam Reddish as possible trade inclusions for San Antonio. If either New York or Washington wants veteran contributors, the Spurs would be more than willing to send Richardson, McDermott, or Poeltl out in exchange for a young player or picks (or both!). 

While the Spurs aren’t seeing any serious success, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets remain atop the Western Conference, and the reigning MVP is currently in the lead, looking to win his third MVP in a row. He would join Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to three-peat.