The San Antonio Spurs got the best news possible earlier in the offseason, as Victor Wembanyama took a $50 million discount on his next contract.
Wembanyama was clearly worth the $300 million supermax contract, but instead opted for a $252 million max deal, allowing the Spurs to stay below the second apron and retain some flexibility.
Wembanyama is clearly the leader of the team, and anyone who wants to win should follow his example. However, when the money is on the table, can players be expected to pass up life-changing money?
The Spurs will enter negotiations with Stephon Castle next summer and Dylan Harper in 2028. San Antonio very clearly wants to keep its trio intact for the long term, and Wembanyama’s sacrifice is a great first step.
Can fans reasonably expect both Castle and Harper to take the same pay cut?
Spurs Should Be Unsure About Everyone’s Loyalty
Wembanyama grew up a Spurs fan, following fellow Frenchmen Tony Parker and Boris Diaw. He would also be the undisputed centerpiece on all 30 NBA teams.
Castle grew up in Atlanta, and Harper in New Jersey. They don’t have the same childhood ties to San Antonio as Wembanyama does. On top of that, either of them could be the best player on most teams once they hit their peak.
Manu Ginobili famously took a back seat and less money in the name of winning. Fans are optimistic that Castle and Harper will follow suit, although not everyone is sure.
“I would just be cautious in thinking, because Wemby did this, that when Stephon Castle is negotiating next summer, he’s going to accept a similar deal, and when Dylan Harper is negotiating two summers from now, he’s going to accept a similar deal,” said ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Nice problem to have for the Spurs that they might be doing this dance three straight summers. But I don’t know if just because Wemby did it, those guys will follow suit.”
Of course, when Harper and Castle hit restricted free agency, the Spurs will have more chips than other teams. Plus, the Spurs can offer the “come play for a contender” pitch that most other teams can’t.
There’s no reason to think that either Harper or Castle will spurn San Antonio and head elsewhere, although there’s little evidence–for now–to suggest that they will be as eager as Wemby was to leave cash on the table.
To be fair, Wembanyama didn’t hint at his desire to take less until the day the deal was signed. So, for now, everything surrounding the young guards is highly speculative.
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