What happened: Julian Champagnie has agreed to a new three-year, $45 million contract to remain with the San Antonio Spurs. The deal, finalized by agents Nick Blatchford and Derek Jackson, carries a unique structure that delivers $42 million in new money and pays the 6-foot-7 forward early. The arrangement also preserves some financial flexibility for the franchise.

Why it matters: Securing Champagnie keeps a developing wing in the fold as San Antonio continues building its young core. The front-loaded structure rewards the forward while giving the Spurs room to maneuver on future roster moves. It signals the organization values his role enough to commit multiple years.

What to watch: Watch for the contract to become official and for how the retained flexibility shapes the Spurs' remaining offseason moves.