Spurs must make most obvious roster decision ever sooner rather than later

Spurs Must Act Fast on Julian Champagnie’s Future

The San Antonio Spurs’ strong season has drawn attention, but forward Julian Champagnie’s underappreciated performance remains one of its biggest stories. His early-season consistency and efficiency have quietly made him one of the team’s most valuable contributors.

Emerging Value Player

Champagnie impressed during the preseason by hitting 19 of 30 shots from beyond the arc. Standing at 6-foot-8, his combination of shooting, size, and defensive effort makes him a reliable two-way player. While not an elite stopper, his quickness, length, and awareness allow him to guard effectively, and he ranks third on the team with 6.4 rebounds per game.

Contract and Future Outlook

The Spurs signed Champagnie midway through the 2022–23 season and secured him that summer on a four-year, $12 million deal—one of the best value contracts in the league. Now in the final guaranteed year of that contract, his future should be a high priority for the front office.

“If he were to hit unrestricted free agency, then he could earn at least four times what he is making now.”

To avoid losing him or overpaying later, the Spurs should consider offering a four-year, $40 million extension, keeping him under team control through the 2029–30 season. Locking up a versatile young forward like Champagnie would be a smart, timely move for a team building around its youth.

Author’s Summary

Julian Champagnie’s mix of size, shooting, and defense has made him an essential piece for the Spurs, and securing his long-term deal now would be both strategic and cost-effective.

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Air Alamo Air Alamo — 2025-11-03

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