French Superstar Wembanyama Stays with Spurs, Takes Smaller Deal for Team's Sake
Victor Wembanyama has agreed to a new contract with the San Antonio Spurs, taking less than the maximum possible $300 million to give the team more financial flexibility to build a stronger roster.
Victor Wembanyama, the French basketball prodigy, has committed to the San Antonio Spurs with a new contract that is below the maximum he could have demanded. The 22-year-old, who was eligible for a deal worth up to $300 million, chose a smaller amount to allow the Spurs greater salary-cap flexibility for future roster moves.
The new contract will take effect starting with the 2027/28 season. For the upcoming season, Wembanyama will earn $16.8 million under his existing rookie contract.
In the previous season, Wembanyama averaged 25 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The Spurs posted a 62-20 regular-season record and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they lost 4-1 to the New York Knicks.
Throughout his three NBA seasons, the Frenchman has led the league in blocked shots, averaging at least three blocks per game. This year, he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first player in the 43-year history of the award to receive all 100 first-place votes. At age 22, he is also the youngest winner of the award.
