Julian Champagnie secured a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs, guaranteeing an average of $15 million per season through the 2028-29 campaign. The deal arrived after Champagnie declined a $3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, signaling the organization’s confidence in his upward trajectory.
In a recent interview, the 24-year-old expressed his gratitude and laid out his long-term ambition. “I appreciate (the Spurs) to the fullest. Obviously I’ve been here for three and a half years now, hopefully I’m here for the rest of my playing career. I love it here, it’s the best,” Champagnie said, adding, “The big fella’s here to stay, I’m here to stay, got the same team back, couple of additions, so it’s going to be pretty good.”
Champagnie’s durability and production back the investment. He played all 82 regular-season games last season, extending his active streak to 185 consecutive contests, the second-longest active streak in the NBA. During the 2025-26 campaign he averaged 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 38.1 % from three-point range, a solid output for a forward still refining his perimeter game.
On the floor, Champagnie functions as a versatile stretch-four. He can slip screens for Victor Wembanyama’s lob, then pop out to the perimeter when the rookie big draws double-teams. His pick-and-pop ability creates spacing for the Spurs’ motion offense, and his defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions. That combination gives San Antonio a more stable rotation and reduces the need for constant lineup tinkering.
The extension fits a broader Spurs philosophy of rewarding players who embody the team-first culture, especially those who entered the league undrafted. Champagnie’s rise from an undrafted free agent to a multi-year deal mirrors the organization’s emphasis on internal development over marquee free-agent signings. By locking him in early, the front office avoids the market pressure that other teams have faced when trying to retain emerging talent.
Looking ahead, Champagnie will play the 2025-26 season under his new contract with two more years of team control remaining. His continued improvement on shooting and defensive versatility could keep him a cornerstone of a Spurs core built around Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Joshua Primo, positioning the club for a deeper playoff run in the coming years.
