The Spurs release Jeremy Sochan after failing to find a trade at the deadline

In a surprising move, the Spurs released Jeremy Sochan.
Feb 28, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) reacts to a call against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) reacts to a call against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

I didn't expect to see this news so soon. Spurs fans knew that the team was ready to part ways with Jeremy Sochan when they gave him permission to find a trade partner before the deadline. When he came up empty, reports indicated that he'd stay with San Antonio for the rest of the season, foregoing the buyout option. I guess things changed.

Good for Sochan. He wasn't going to get any more time on the floor, and he's a young competitor. He wants to play basketball, but unfortunately, this team can't make use of his talents the way he deserves. It's unfortunate because it's been fun to root for this guy. He's been a ton of fun, and he embraced the San Antonio vs. everyone else mentality an often-overlooked people possess.

Now, I can only think about the teams I don't want to see him on. There are only so many places to go in the NBA, so I would have to understand if his options were limited, but let's imagine that's not the case.

Sochan can head to the Eastern Conference

The first option for him should still be the New York Knicks. That was the first place rumored to have interest in the Polish Prince, and they would be a perfect fit for him. They need a wing defender with some size and grit. Mike Brown is a fine coach and would take good care of Jeremy, so the fit with the staff is already a match made in heaven.

Their offense is more free-flowing, too, so he would get a chance to roam, cut, and contribute to the offense in a more controlled chaos-type of style that suits him. He'd be great with the people in New York, too. That's a crazed fan base, and they'd take to Sochan quickly.

I don't want to see him with the Thunder, Rockets, Lakers, Suns, Timberwolves, or any of the Western Conference threats the Spurs will be forced to deal with in the near future. Somewhere in the East is fine.

It's the end of an era, but his career isn't over. He'll bounce back somewhere else, and we'll celebrate his journey down the line. Once a Spur, always a Spur. (Unless you're Kawhi Leonard)

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