The San Antonio Spurs are in the NBA Finals for the first time since winning the franchise’s fifth World Championship in 2014. While the Spurs are focusing on resting and getting ready to take on the New York Knicks, starting on Wednesday, the season is already a huge success for the franchise and several players. A couple of those players could cash in big time.
Spurs Starter Expected to Cash in on Career Season This Offseason
San Antonio started toward becoming relevant last season. But the Spurs’ success this season is definitely a surprise. The Spurs’ 62 victories this season were 28 more than a year ago, and the second most in the NBA — just two less than the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did the Spurs snap a six-year playoff drought, but they also won a postseason series for the first time in eight seasons.
Regardless of whether the Spurs ultimately defeat the Knicks, this season was a resounding success for Mitch Johnson and his troops. But general manager Brian Wright has some important decisions this summer to keep the Spurs in the upper echelon of the Western Conference.
San Antonio enters the offseason with just nine players under contract with a salary cap hit of $153.46 million. As a result, the Spurs project to have $12.53 million in cap space. Even better news is that De’Aaron Fox is the only player who is making over $30 million as he enters the first year of his five-year extension.
Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Lindy Waters III, Mason Plumlee, Jordan McLaughlin, and Bismack Biyombo are the Spurs’ free agents. Barnes, McLaughlilin, and Olynyk figure to be the likeliest to return next year. However, Barnes and Olynyk will have to accept massive pay cuts to do so. The Spurs own the No. 20 pick in this year’s draft along with the Nos. 35, 42, and 45. Don’t expect the Spurs to use all four draft picks.
Julian Champagnie Has Been A Diamond In the Rough
Besides what to do with their draft picks, their biggest offseason decision may be to decide what to do with Julian Champagnie. Champagnie has a team option worth $3.0 million for 2025-26. The 24-year-old has been terrific for the Spurs since being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2023. And it sounds like the Spurs plan on keeping him around for a while.
“Pretty good claim by the Spurs,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said, talking about Champagnie on the Hoop Collective Podcast. “They also signed him to an excellent contract, which has another year on it as a team option. And I think they’re going to decline his option and then re-sign him to a better contract. ”
Champagnie has been a big part of the Spurs’ rebuild and has improved each season. A part-time starter throughout his tenure in San Antonio, Champagnie produced a career season this year. The 6-7 wing averaged 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 28 minutes over 82 appearances, marking the second straight season he has appeared in every game. He also knocked down 2.4 treys with shooting splits of 43.7/38.1/84.4.
Moreover, Champagnie has become the most reliable and clutch of the Spurs’ wings. Champagnie is an excellent rebounder, compiling seven double-doubles, and has made at least six threes on five occassions. He has been a reliable rebounder in the playoffs, though he has had his ups and downs shooting the ball. However, he stepped up his offensive production in Games 5 and 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
After scoring 22 points and knocking down five triples in Game 5 against Oklahoma City, Champagnie contributed 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting, with 6 three-pointers and six rebounds. He has nine double-figure scoring games and averages 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 45.4% from the field. Additionally, he has connected on 2.6 threes at a 39.3% clip in his 18 appearances.
“Julian is amazing,” Victor Wembanyama said following Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. “He deserves everything that he gets. And he’s the type of guy who makes you wanna die for him on the court because he gives so much effort. And he’s got such an amazing story — he got cut in the NBA a few years back. He’s had tough moments, but he keeps pushing, and now he’s taken his team to the NBA Finals.”
Photo credit: Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
