The Spurs are performing some housekeeping earlier than the season begins. On Thursday, they picked up the third-year workforce possibility on Stephon Fortress’s contract and the fourth-year workforce possibility on Victor Wembanyama’s contract, securing the providers of two of their finest gamers for the 2026-27 season.
Within the latest previous, San Antonio confronted some powerful choices on workforce choices for gamers on rookie offers, specifically these belonging to Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. That is completely different. Fortress and particularly Wembanyama have vastly outplayed their contract values and will proceed to take action till they enter restricted free company or, extra probably, signal extensions. The entrance workplace had till October 31 to train the choice, but it surely made no sense to attend.
Wembanyama was drafted in 2023 and can be on a rookie deal till the summer time of 2027. The Spurs picked up the ultimate workforce possibility on his contract. He’s anticipated to signal a most extension subsequent offseason, when he turns into eligible. He was named an All-Star in his second season earlier than lacking time after being recognized with deep vein thrombosis. He’s wholesome now and has regarded dominant in preseason play.
Fortress was drafted in 2024. Identical to Wembanyama, he gained Rookie of the Yr. He can be on a rookie contract till the summer time of 2028. Subsequent offseason, the Spurs can have the chance to train a workforce possibility for the fourth 12 months of his deal, which they’ll undoubtedly do, barring one thing unexpected. He could possibly be the place to begin guard on opening evening, as De’Aaron Fox is anticipated to overlook the primary few video games of the season.
Wembanyama has averaged 22.5 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and three.7 blocks in 31.1 minutes a sport over two seasons.
Fortress averaged 14.7 factors, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 26.7 minutes a sport in his first season within the league.
