Josh Primo releases statement on surprise release from San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio 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.

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“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.”

More on the San Antonio Spurs’ decision to release Josh Primo

This year, Primo appeared in four games for the Spurs after averaging 5.8 points per game in 50 appearances — including 16 starts — in 2021-22. Before Friday’s game against Chicago, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich declined to comment on the reason behind the decision to release Primo.

The Spurs front office, however, released a 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,” Spurs sports and entertainment CEO RC Buford said, via ESPN’s Marc Spears.

Primo is under contract for $4.1 million this season and $4.3 million next season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.