It has been an oddly sluggish week on the Spurs’ free company entrance. Ever for the reason that moratorium interval ended at 11 AM on Monday, everybody has been ready for Victor Wembanyama to signal has max rookie contract extension, which might be value up $251 million (25% of the wage cap) over 5 seasons, starting within the 2027-28 season. The look forward to it to occur has been odd however of not of concern, primarily being chalked as much as him being on trip in France.
Now, we’re getting information that there is likely to be a motive for the maintain up, but it surely isn’t for something regarding, such because the Spurs are holding again or he’s uncertain if he desires to commit. Quite the opposite, rumor is beginning to swirl that he may very well be contemplating signing for lower than the max to supply the Spurs extra monetary flexibility sooner or later, as was first reported by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. This got here after Wemby had tweeted for the primary time since March and solely 69th time ever, sending a promising however cryptic message of, “Spurs Household, I’m right here to remain. No matter it takes.”
This doubtless received’t be confirmed till they formally announce the brand new contract, however RC Buford, Brian Wright and Mitch Johnson are reportedly in France, so information may come any minute now. Nobody was anticipating Wemby to drag a Tim Duncan on his first ever contract extension of his profession, but it surely’s attainable he’s seeing groups having to interrupt up star cores or strip their depth to keep away from second apron ramifications and needs to guarantee they’ll hold their younger core collectively, with Stephon Fort and Dylan Harper doubtless set for large paydays (even when not max extensions) within the coming years.
His extension will be upgraded to a supermax value $300 million (30% of the wage cap) if he earns All-NBA honors or wins MVP or Defensive Participant of the 12 months within the 2026-27 season. It’s unclear how that may be utilized if he indicators for lower than the utmost.
