The San Antonio Spurs have recently solidified a key component of their emerging roster, making a significant financial commitment to forward Julian Champagnie. This strategic move underscores the franchise’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a cohesive and talented young core, particularly as they build around their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama.
On Friday, the Spurs officially moved to fully guarantee Julian Champagnie’s $3 million contract for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. This decision signals the team’s confidence in the 24-year-old’s capabilities and his potential role within their future plans, ensuring his continued presence in San Antonio.
While the 2025 NBA offseason for the Spurs hasn’t been marked by the splashy trades many anticipated, such as a pursuit of Kevin Durant or waiting for Giannis Antetokounmpo, their focus remains steadfast on incremental yet impactful improvements. Securing Champagnie aligns perfectly with their long-term vision of surrounding Victor Wembanyama with promising players who can develop and contribute alongside him.
Champagnie’s journey to a guaranteed contract is notable. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, he initially split his rookie season between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs, spending considerable time honing his skills in the G League. However, his strong performances eventually led to a four-year, $12 million contract with the Spurs, and he has not returned to the G League since his impressive rookie campaign.
His value was particularly evident last season, where Champagnie was one of only eleven players to feature in all 82 games for the Spurs. This remarkable consistency, coupled with his effective shooting from beyond the arc—hitting 37.1% of his three-pointers—demonstrated his reliability and offensive threat from the bench.
Across his two seasons in San Antonio, Julian Champagnie has consistently contributed, averaging 8.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. His efficiency metrics, including 41.2% from the field, 36.9% from three-point range, and an impressive 86.0% from the free-throw line, highlight his versatile offensive game.
Retaining Champagnie was undoubtedly a priority for the San Antonio Spurs, especially given the cost-effectiveness of his $3 million contract. His ability to space the floor and provide energetic play makes him a valuable asset for their bench unit, offering crucial depth as the team navigates competitive NBA Western Conference matchups.
As the San Antonio Spurs continue to evolve their roster, the decision to guarantee Julian Champagnie’s contract reinforces their commitment to a specific player development philosophy. This move is part of a larger strategy to build a championship contender around Victor Wembanyama, ensuring a foundation of talent and continuity.
