France 24 is reporting that Victor Wembanyama committed his long-term future to the San Antonio Spurs, signing a multi-year contract extension. It said the 22-year-old Frenchman told fans, "I'm here to stay. Whatever it takes," before the Spurs confirmed the deal on their social media accounts.
ESPN reported the extension is a five-year, $252 million rookie maximum contract, including a player option in the fifth season. Wembanyama's decision to take a 25% salary jump rather than the 30% "supermax" escalators will provide the Spurs with more salary cap flexibility to build a championship-contending team, a move similar to those made by Tim Duncan and the Knicks' Jalen Brunson.
Last season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, an NBA-best 3.1 blocked shots and 1.0 steals per game. He was unanimously voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Spurs to a 62-20 record and a run to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the New York Knicks. Since his arrival as the top overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama has been credited with a significant turnaround in the Spurs' fortunes, transforming them from 22 wins in his first season to 62 wins last campaign. Despite the Finals defeat, Wembanyama expressed determination to use the experience to fuel a return to the championship series.