{"id":599116,"date":"2026-02-12T15:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/599116\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:59:14","slug":"spurs-just-gave-clippers-even-more-of-a-reason-to-trade-kawhi-leonard-in-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/599116\/","title":{"rendered":"Spurs just gave Clippers even more of a reason to trade Kawhi Leonard in the summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Given that the LA Clippers are clearly in rebuild mode, they have a motive to trade the soon-to-be 35-year-old Kawhi Leonard in the offseason. However, the San Antonio Spurs just gave the Clippers <\/a>an outlet to go all in towards their desires by releasing Jeremy Sochan. If signed to the Clippers, it would make even more sense to trade the aging superstar while they can, as Leonard\u2019s age would contradict the team\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

At just 22, Sochan is extremely valuable. He is the type of young, energetic forward you want on your team for the future. Additionally, because Leonard\u2019s eighth year in LA was already up in the air, why hold back if there is a way to improve, and particularly, if sooner or later, he will be on the move; the two-time champion cannot be a Clipper forever.<\/p>\n

Thus, the Clippers should negotiate a way for the former lottery pick to prove himself to secure a long-term contract in LA. Lawrence Frank just needs a sufficient enough sign that he is worth investing in, and in the end, Sochan will be welcomed with open arms to a new era<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Clippers should be among the top pursuers for Jeremy Sochan<\/p>\n

It is expected that Jeremy Sochan will sign with the contender or up-and-coming team that offers the best financial freedom, environment, coaching, culture, and mindset. Rightfully so, Sochan will want it all, and from a bird\u2019s-eye view, the LA Clippers have everything to meet his needs.<\/p>\n

On the San Antonio Spurs, Sochan had three excellent seasons before 2025-26. He scored the ball well, constantly looked for ways to improve, like his viral one-handed free throw that led to improvements, and was one of the better defenders alongside Victor Wembanyama. <\/p>\n

He was even nominated to the 2022-23 All-Rookie team, an honor bestowed on first-year pros who demonstrated potential and excellence.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, Sochan turned out to be an asset that San Antonio did not maximize to the fullest, and Clipper Nation should be glad, as he would be ideal next to Darius Garland<\/a> and Bennedict Mathurin. <\/p>\n

That said, with a wide-open door to capitalize on where the team is headed anyway, it would be worth inserting Sochan into the Clippers\u2019 timeline. He is appealing to the point that serious interest must be conveyed when considering the several characteristics he has that could benefit LA if everything pans out.<\/p>\n