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NBA·TRADE·July 30, 2026 07:15 AM ET

Wembanyama signs $252M max; Leonard trade remains on hold

The five-year deal uses 25% of the salary cap.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 301 min read
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What happened: Victor Wembanyama’s extension includes a fifth-year player option and begins in 2027-28. Kawhi Leonard’s June 30 agreement remains pending while the NBA investigates possible salary-cap circumvention.

Why it matters: The 25% structure preserves more future roster flexibility than the 30% scale available to Wembanyama. ESPN reported that the investigation could extend into 2027 if the parties contest the findings or proposed penalties.

By the numbers: The extension averages $50.4 million across five seasons. Its reported $252 million value is $51 million below the five-year, $303 million 30% scale.

What to watch: Watch for the NBA’s findings or a settlement that allows Leonard’s agreement to close. A dispute over penalties could trigger arbitration and push the process beyond the 2026-27 season.

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