The San Antonio Spurs have been rumored to be fielding trade offers on Jeremy Sochan, but a recent roster move suggests his time with the Silver and Black might not be over.
Under Mitch Johnson, Jeremy Sochan has seen his role with the San Antonio Spurs decrease. After being a core starter for his first two seasons, Johnson moved him to the bench last season. This year, he is playing a career low in minutes and often only appears in garbage time.
As he prepares for restricted free agency this summer, his name has already gained traction in trade rumors, with the New York Knicks emerging as a landing spot. However, in the last two contests, he has played a bigger role. The Spurs might not be done with him just yet.
One recent roster move suggests that the Spurs are willing to give him one last chance to prove himself.
Spurs Demote Carter Bryant to G League
Drafted 14th overall, Carter Bryant was one of the most raw players in the draft class, although his upside as a two-way wing was apparent. He did not start in his lone season at Arizona, but the Spurs took a flier on him, knowing he could eventually turn into a long-term piece.
Bryant is one of the most athletic players on the roster, but he is simply not ready for real NBA minutes just yet. After 29 brief appearances, the Spurs have assigned him to Austin to get some G League run.
Bryant will make his G League debut on Friday against the South Bay Lakers.
Bryant isn't as big as Sochan, but he is just as strong and even more athletic. On top of that, his potential as a shooter is higher. Although he still has a lot to prove. Bryant was drafted to rival Sochan and perhaps become his replacement, although the former ninth overall pick has bought some extra time.
Sochan is well aware of his decreasing role, but it's just made him even hungrier to prove himself.
"It’s important for me to remember who I am,” Sochan told the San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger. “And even if you can't see the light, I think if you keep working and put your efforts and your mind in the right place, you're always going to find it somewhere.”
For now, Sochan is a Spur. Not very often used and seemingly discarded, his Spurs' tenure could be on its last legs, but it's not over just yet.
Expect him to play a bigger role in the next few days before the front office finally makes up its mind. He could cement his status or highlight his trade value. Either way, an increase in minutes is just around the corner.