After Paul George was slapped with a 25-game suspension by the NBA due to violating its anti-drug policy, the Philadelphia 76ers' roster now lacks sufficient depth, preventing them from making a credible postseason push. However, the announcement that the San Antonio Spurs and Jeremy Sochan have parted ways presents the Sixers with a valuable opportunity to add dynamism and hustle to their lineup.
According to ESPN's NBA insider, Shams Charania, "The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent."
The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams. pic.twitter.com/ilLIWLz7gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2026
The 76ers are now delving into a limited selection of players after the NBA trade window slammed shut. Often, free agency is littered with two-way candidates who are desperate for a franchise to take a punt on their abilities. Jeremy Sochan does not fall into this category. The former Spurs forward brings a particular skill set that would undoubtedly increase the potential of Philadelphia's depleted roster.
Sochan's attributes make him the perfect fit for the Sixers
Between injuries and other options being prioritised, Sochan struggled for game time in San Antonio during the 2025-26 season. Under Greg Popovich's successor, Mitch Johnson, the Spurs have soared to a 38-16 record and sit handsomely in second place in the Western Conference standings. The fact that they have done so with a limited contribution from Sochan most likely prompted both parties to move on from their four-year relationship.
Philadelphia cannot rest on its laurels and must snap up the 22-year-old before the other various circling vultures swoop down to collect him to aid their own ambitions. General manager Daryl Morey stated before the season started that his vision for this roster is to get younger and more dynamic; Jeremy Sochan brings these things in abundance.
Whether it's from a starting spot or as an impact bench role, Sochan's athleticism allows him to bring defensive energy to the floor, which will allow both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to thrive. Partnering Embiid with a more dynamic forward who can take on much of his defensive burden has proved beneficial for the Sixers, lowering the likelihood of the knee problems that have troubled his career in recent seasons resurfacing.
Sochan's versatility has been heavily experimented with in San Antonio, and for the most part, it has resulted in much success. He has shown that he is more than capable of playing in a small forward and power forward role, while also proving he can hold down the fort as a center in a small-ball lineup -- something that head coach Nick Nurse has opted to field on several occasions this year.
Offensively, the athletic forward still has questions to answer. His shooting form leaves a lot to be desired. Additionally, his quirky free-throw style may have improved his success rate, but it is far from aesthetically pleasing. Nevertheless, his explosive movements will suit Philadelphia's quick transition offense alongside Maxey and the sensational rookie VJ Edgecombe.
During the 2024-25 season, Sochan proved his credentials as an effective role player by starting 31 of his 54 appearances from the bench -- averaging 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds (career-high), while shooting 53.5% from the floor (career-high).
The Philadelphia 76ers have left themselves few options to fill the gaping hole in the roster that Paul George's suspension has created. Fortunately for the franchise, the San Antonio Spurs have presented a Jeremy Sochan-sized gift that can help fix several problems that they have created themselves.