The San Antonio Spurs, known for their savvy financial management, are on the brink of entering a new era of spending. Despite operating with one of the smallest payrolls in the NBA, the Spurs are preparing for the potential of a hefty supermax contract for their superstar, Victor Wembanyama, which could reach at least $250 million in just a couple of years. Adding to the financial puzzle, De'Aaron Fox's max contract is set to kick in next season.
Yet, the Spurs have skillfully maintained balance by leveraging rookie-scale contracts. Stephon Castle remains on such a deal for two more years, while Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant are locked in for three. This strategy is not just about signing players cheaply; it's about ensuring those players can contribute significantly in a competitive rotation.
San Antonio’s knack for finding undervalued talent is evident. Castle, Harper, and Bryant are key rotation players, costing the team a combined $26.7 million.
Backup Luke Kornet is secured for an average of $10 million over this season and the next three, and starter Julian Champagnie is on a $3 million deal for this season and the next. This financial wizardry allows the Spurs to balance big contracts with economical deals, a hallmark of their strategy since the Tim Duncan era.
Historically, the Spurs have been trendsetters, not followers. They managed to keep players like Danny Green, Gary Neal, DeJuan Blair, Patty Mills, and Boris Diaw on team-friendly contracts. More recently, players such as Bryn Forbes, Jonathan Simmons, and late first-round picks like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, and Keldon Johnson have continued this tradition.
Even with a challenging collective bargaining agreement that penalizes high payrolls, San Antonio is well-positioned to navigate the luxury tax landscape. The Spurs will face tough decisions, especially as Castle's and Harper's extensions loom, and may even consider trading Fox in a few seasons.
Looking ahead, the Spurs hold a first-round pick in every upcoming draft, ensuring a steady influx of talent. Coupled with their proven ability to discover gems in the second round and free agency, the Spurs are not just adapting to an NBA trend-they're defining it.