Why Victor Wembanyama won’t follow Jalen Brunson's blueprint
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Why Victor Wembanyama won’t follow Jalen Brunson's blueprint originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Antonio Spurs are finalizing a massive five-year, $251 million rookie max extension for Victor Wembanyama. With incentive escalators, that number could skyrocket past $300 million. Following Jalen Brunson’s historic $113 million sacrifice to secure the New York Knicks’ recent title, some fans wonder if the French phenom should take less money to help San Antonio build a winner.
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Spurs are said to be closing in on a 5-year $251M+ rookie max extension for Wembanyama (up to $300+ million with incentives).
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) June 20, 2026
It’ll be fascinating to see if Wemby takes a page from Jalen Brunson. In 2024, Brunson left about $113M on the table when he signed his 4-year $156.5M… pic.twitter.com/HAffu2oJHK
But expectations of a hometown discount ignore how NBA salary mechanics actually work.
The tension in San Antonio isn't about saving money today; it is about managing a ticking clock. Rookie max extensions are a standard milestone for elite franchise cornerstones. The Spurs have built financial flexibility by drafting Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper and keeping core talent on cheap rookie contracts.
However, as these young players mature, the team's cap space will inevitably shrink, creating pressure to win before the roster becomes too expensive.
Wembanyama taking less money wouldn't fix this timeline. His baseline $251 million contract is tied directly to 25% of the salary cap. The jump to $301 million only triggers if he wins MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or makes an All-NBA team. If he hits those milestones, he elevates the entire franchise, making his maximum price tag a bargain for the value he provides on the court.
Furthermore, the Spurs do not need immediate financial relief. Even with veteran contracts on the books, San Antonio is well-positioned to absorb a max contract while hunting for elite free agents.
Wembanyama’s looming payday forces the front office to act urgently, but it does not cripple their spending power. He will sign for every dollar he earned, and the Spurs will gladly hand over the pen.
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