Wembanyama's 25% max costs him $8.7M in Year 1 versus supermax

Spurs star skips supermax, banks flexibility instead.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 101 min read

Difference in year 1 25% max $43.5M 30% max $52.2M San Antonio has Stephon Castle extension eligible next summer and Via @BobbyMarks42 on X

What happened: Wembanyama's extension locks in $43.5 million for Year 1 under the 25% max tier, forgoing the $52.2 million he would have received at the 30% supermax escalator, per @TheSteinLine. The $8.7 million gap reflects the tier he and the Spurs settled on after working through multiple contract frameworks.

Why it matters: The smaller Year 1 number gives San Antonio more room to maneuver as its young core matures. The same Spurs locker room that reached the NBA Finals now has Stephon Castle extension-eligible next summer, with Dylan Harper's own extension window opening in 2028.

By the numbers: Year 1 pay comparison: 25% max = $43.5M; 30% supermax = $52.2M; difference = $8.7M. Castle's extension eligibility begins next summer; Harper's begins in 2028.

What to watch: Watch how San Antonio structures its books once Castle's extension window opens next summer, with Harper's own eligibility following in 2028.

Sources

@TheSteinLine 2026-07-10T22:56:20.471345+00:00

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