Just about an hour before the San Antonio Spurs tipped off against the Chicago Bulls during the NBA Friday slate, the team announced their decision to waive Josh Primo.
The decision to waive the 19-year-old shocked many as he was selected No. 12 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft just over a year ago. He finished his rookie campaign averaging 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists but was largely an unimpactful talent. Regardless, he was
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” said Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO RC Buford.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich declined to explain the Spurs’ matchup against the Bulls: “Have you all gotten the statement we’ve made? That’s all I choose to say about that right now. We are just going to stick with what we told you all.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Primo & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Prior to the Spurs’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier in the week, Primo was added to the injury report shortly before tipoff due to left glute soreness. His status for being ruled out for their matchup against the Bulls was the same.
The decision came weeks after the Spurs exercised Primo’s third-year team option worth $4.3 million — fueling speculation about the cause for the release. He can be claimed by a team on waivers using cap space, similar to what the Spurs did to acquire Isaiah Roby. San Antonio was intrigued by his potential with plenty of training camp buzz.
“He hasn’t played much in the preseason, so he’s just trying to get his rhythm back,” Popovich said after Primo finished with 23 points and four assists in 24 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder in preseason. “He’s a talented young man. He’s going to have opportunities to score with his aggressiveness.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Primo & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Primo participated in four games with the Spurs this season and was averaging 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. There was much optimism surrounding his potential after the Dejounte Murray trade, but the team has decided to move on instead.
