San Antonio Spurs waive second-year guard Josh Primo

In a move completely out of nowhere, San Antonio Spurs have waived second-year guard Josh Primo. Primo was the Spurs’ top pick selected in the 2021 NBA Draft at No.12 overall. It was also the youngest player selected in the draft at 18.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide guard is native to Canada and played just one season in college under Nate Oats.

The Spurs front office released this statement after news of Primo’s release broke on social media.

“it is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interests of both the organization and Joshua,” said Spurs sports and entertainment CEO RC Buford, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears.

His release comes in the second week of the end NBA season, with San Antonio currently sporting a 3-2 record.

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There is not a lot of information available as to the reason why San Antonio elected to part ways with their top pick from the 2021 NBA draft, especially after exercising his third-year option for 2023-24 right before the start of the season. He is under contract for $4.1 million this season and $4.3 million next season. Primo is eligible to be claimed on an exception if any other NBA franchise is willing to pick him up on waivers.

Josh Primo releases statement on surprise release from San Antonio Spurs

Spurs shocked many around NBA circles when they announced they released Josh Primo on Friday. As the Spurs took on the Chicago Bulls Friday night, Primo sent a statement to ESPN regarding the situation.

Primo, a former star at Alabama, was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Spurs and was the youngest player in the draft that year. San Antonio recently picked up his third-year option, adding to the questions after the team announced his release. In a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Primo acknowledged the nature of the announcement while announcing he’s seeking mental health treatment.

“I know that you all are surprised by today’s announcement,” Primo stated. “I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous trauma I suffered and will now take this time to focus on my mental health treatment more fully. I hope to be able to discuss these issues in the future so I can help others who have suffered in a similar way. I appreciate privacy at this time.”