3 years, $45 million! Champagnie successfully extends with Spurs, continuing to support Wembanyama in title pursuit.

On June 30, Beijing time, per Shams Charania citing ESPN sources, Spurs forward Julian Champagnie is set to sign a three-year, $45 million contract valid until the 2028-29 season. San Antonio opted not to pick up his $3 million team option and instead negotiated a new agreement. Champagnie, who was waived three years ago, has now developed into an essential contributor within the Spurs' core lineup. He will continue to assist Wembanyama in their championship quest.

Champagnie's agents, Nick Blatchford and Derek Jackson, have finalized the contract's details with Spurs management. The salary structure is quite unusual: the player receives a significant upfront payment, with an additional $42 million in guaranteed salary, while also preserving some cap flexibility for the Spurs.

Standing 2.01 meters tall and playing small forward, Champagnie was an undrafted prospect in 2022 but is now a key wing for the team. He attended St. John's University, where he averaged nearly 20 points per game, showcasing strong shooting and rebounding skills. However, after going undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with the 76ers, appeared in just two games, and was subsequently waived, nearly ending his career.

After being released three years ago, the rebuilding Spurs signed Champagnie, with Gregg Popovich valuing his reliable three-point shooting and tough defense. He focused on honing his off-ball game, evolving into a standard 3-and-D player, and steadily earned a rotation spot. He broke out in the 2025-26 season, playing all 82 regular-season games with 68 starts, averaging 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, with a 38.1% three-point percentage. He made 192 three-pointers in a single season, surpassing Danny Green's franchise record for most threes in a season.

This forward is an indispensable piece for the team. He creates offensive spacing, easing the burden on Wembanyama, and this extension holds great significance for the Spurs.