Spurs Shock The NBA World By Suddenly Waiving Young Star

A stunning move by the San Antonio Spurs today has shocked the basketball world, as they've suddenly waived promising 19-year-old first-rounder (12th overall, 2021) Josh Primo. The league is still trying to figure out what happened. 

Josh Primo was the youngest player in the 2021 NBA Draft when selected 12th to the Spurs. His on-court development absolutely had the organization excited about his NBA future. Waiving Primo so abruptly without explanation is fairly unprecedented -- and jarring.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2022

As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski, Primo's "on-court development absolutely had the organization excited about his NBA future. Waiving Primo so abruptly without explanation is fairly unprecedented -- and jarring." 

The only comment from the Spurs, from CEO RC Buford, was a very mysterious "It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua."

Josh Primo is a great young talent. Scores easy. Just 19 years old. Spurs had been developing this kid. The small market Spurs don’t just drop a player like that unless something detrimental happened off the court. Not sure what. Coach Pop declined comment. Very odd situation.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 28, 2022

ESPN's NBA Insider Marc Spears, similarly, was shocked and surmises that a team like the Spurs "wouldn't just drop a player like that unless something detrimental happened off the court. Not sure what." He notes that head coach Gregg Popovich declined to comment. "Very odd situation," added Spears.

It was just 2 weeks ago that San Antonio exercised the 3rd year (2023-24) team option for Josh Primo.

He is under contract for $4.1M and $4.3M.

He is eligible to be claimed with room or an exception but a team will have to do its diligence on why the 19-year old was waived.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 28, 2022

Front Office Insider Bobby Marks notes that the Spurs just exercised the 3rd year option on Primo's rookie contract only two weeks ago.  

The young Canadian-born Primo is now eligible to be claimed by another team. But as Marks points out, it will have to be after due diligence to find out why he was waived.

Primo released a statement later in the evening. 

"I know that you all are surprised by today's announcement. I've been seeking help to deal with previous trauma I suffered and will now take this time to focus on my mental healthy treatment more fully."

Photo: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports