Wembanyama signs multi-year contract with Spurs: 'I'm here to stay'
Victor Wembanyama signed a long-term contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, telling fans he is committed to the team. The deal is a five-year, $252 million rookie maximum with a player option in the fifth season.
NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama officially signed a multi-year contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise. The 22-year-old Frenchman posted on social media that he is 'here to stay' and will do whatever it takes. According to ESPN, the deal is a five-year, $252 million rookie maximum extension that includes a player option for the fifth season.
Last season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, an NBA-best 3.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals where they lost to the New York Knicks in five games. Despite the defeat, Wembanyama said he will use the pain as fuel to return.
Notably, Wembanyama did not take the 'supermax' escalator of 30%, opting instead for a 25% increase, which gives the Spurs more salary cap flexibility to build a stronger roster around him. This mirrors moves made by Tim Duncan in the past and by New York's Jalen Brunson to help their teams compete for championships.
Since being drafted first overall in 2023, Wembanyama has transformed the Spurs' fortunes: from 22 wins in his rookie season to 62 wins this season, the second-best record in the league. His career averages over three seasons are 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals. After the Finals loss, he acknowledged the pain but stated he is not running from it.
