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NBA

Victor Wembanyama explains why he turned down $50 million

Wembanyama agreed to a $252 million extension, voluntarily passing on the supermax to preserve San Antonio's financial flexibility and maximize the team's long-term potential.
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Victor Wembanyama explains why he turned down $50 million
Photo Credit : © Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

A few days after signing the largest rookie extension in NBA history, Wembanyama spoke out to explain a decision that caught many observers off guard. The French center for the Spurs agreed to a five-year, $252 million contract, choosing a maximum based on 25% of the salary cap rather than the 30% he could have claimed. A decision that amounts to roughly $50 million left on the table.

“I want to make sure that will never be the case for us”

Wembanyama’s reasoning is straightforward. Speaking to The Athletic on the occasion of his cover reveal for NBA 2K27, the Frenchman shared his perspective plainly: “We have a good team, we had a very good playoff run, and we had a very good regular season. But what’s even better and greater is our potential. The reality of today’s NBA is that teams’ potential is often not fulfilled because of money. I just want to make sure that will never be the case for us.”

At 22 years old, the DPOY chose to sacrifice those millions to give San Antonio valuable financial flexibility. This decision would notably allow the Spurs to use their mid-level exception in 2027 while staying below the first salary cap apron, without having to sacrifice a rotation player.

The context is clear: Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, both on rookie contracts, will need to be extended in the coming seasons. De’Aaron Fox is already tied to the club on a substantial deal. By giving up part of his earnings, Wemby is giving the Texas franchise the means to keep its core group together.

A meaningful gesture, in the tradition of Brunson and Duncan

This kind of sacrifice is not without precedent in the league. Jalen Brunson left roughly $113 million on the table when he re-signed with the Knicks in 2022, a decision that allowed the New York franchise to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges — key pieces of the championship won in June against the Texans. In San Antonio itself, Tim Duncan followed the same philosophy back in 2007.

Wembanyama is coming off a historic season: 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award, a spot on the All-NBA First Team, and a first Finals appearance. Despite these achievements, he refuses to be satisfied. “Everything is moving very fast, but I’m not satisfied and I want it to go even faster,” he said. A champion’s mindset, a leader’s mindset — one that now also shows in his decisions off the court…

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Nicolas Flamecourt
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.