The San Antonio Spurs are wasting no time locking up the pieces of their championship-contending core. In a massive move that signals absolute faith in their young talent, forward Julian Champagnie has officially agreed to a new three-year, $45 million contract extension with the franchise.
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, comes after the Spurs made the tactical decision to decline Champagnie’s $3 million team option for the 2026-27 season. By clearing the books, San Antonio has paved the way for a long-term commitment to the 25-year-old sharpshooter—a player who has transformed from an undrafted afterthought into one of the most lethal perimeter threats in the NBA.
From Waiver Wire to Franchise Record-Breaker
Champagnie’s journey to this $45 million payday is the ultimate “rags-to-riches” NBA story. After going undrafted out of St. John’s in 2022, he was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2023. It took just two days for the Spurs’ front office to recognize the potential Philadelphia had discarded, claiming him off waivers and providing him with the platform to flourish.
Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and Champagnie wasn’t just a role player—he was a catalyst. He suited up for all 82 regular-season games, averaging career highs in minutes (27.6), points (11.1), and rebounds (5.8) per contest. His shooting was particularly transformative; he finished the season hitting at a 38.1% clip from beyond the arc.
He didn’t just break into the rotation; he shattered franchise records. On New Year’s Eve, Champagnie torched the New York Knicks for a career-high 36 points, draining a franchise-record 11 three-pointers in a single game. By the time the regular season concluded, his 195 made three-pointers stood as the highest single-season total in Spurs history.
The “Clutch” Factor: Dominance on the Biggest Stage
While his regular-season stats were impressive, Champagnie truly solidified his “must-pay” status during the Spurs’ grueling postseason trek to the 2026 NBA Finals. As the lights got brighter, his shooting only became more precise.
Champagnie recorded a league-best 61 made three-pointers throughout the playoffs, setting a new bar for postseason long-range production in San Antonio’s illustrious history. For a team that relies on spacing to operate their complex offense, Champagnie provided the gravitational pull that opened up the floor for the entire roster.
Why the Spurs Are Going All-In
For San Antonio, this isn’t just about rewarding past production; it’s about securing a vital asset as they prepare to build on their Finals appearance. By locking him up before the official opening of free agency, the Spurs have effectively neutralized the risk of losing him to a competitor.
At just 25 years old—he celebrated his birthday on the very day the extension was finalized—Champagnie is right in the middle of his prime. He has proven he can handle the pressure of the playoffs, he is iron-man durable, and he possesses an elite skill that is in high demand across the league.
As the Spurs look to go one step further in 2027, the “Champagnie Era” is officially just getting started. The investment of $45 million over three years is a bargain for a player who has already proven he can be a focal point of a Finals-caliber team. With their shooting star officially secured, the rest of the NBA has been put on notice: the Spurs are not finished building.
Do you think $45 million over three years is a fair price for a sharpshooter like Julian Champagnie? Can the Spurs count on him to maintain this level of production as they head into the 2027 season? Let us know your thoughts below!
