Report: Spurs commit $45 million to keep Julian Champagnie

Photo credit: Inquirer.net

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs signed forward Julian Champagnie to a three-year contract extension, the team announced Monday, keeping the sharpshooter with the franchise through the 2028-29 season.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported the deal is worth $45 million.

The Spurs declined Champagnie’s $3 million player option for the final year of his previous four-year, $12 million contract before agreeing to the new deal. San Antonio claimed Champagnie off waivers in 2023.

Champagnie helped the Spurs reach the NBA Finals during the 2025-26 season and set franchise records with 195 made 3-pointers in a season and 11 made 3-pointers in a single game on Dec. 31.

The 6-foot-7 forward shot 38.1% from 3-point range during the regular season and averaged 2.4 made 3-pointers, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 steals per game. He ranked second on the team in made 3-pointers behind Devin Vassell.

Champagnie has also appeared in 185 consecutive regular-season games, the team said, giving him the second-longest active streak in the NBA. He also ranks 10th in Spurs history in career 3-pointers.

Head coach Mitch Johnson credited Champagnie for his contributions during the team’s playoff run.

“Julian’s been an integral part of our team defense, team rebounding, and all of that leads to us playing fast, which is our best version of our offense,” Johnson said. “He’s been absolutely phenomenal.”

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama also praised Champagnie after Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City.

“He’s the type of guy that makes you want to die for him on the court, because he gives so much effort,” Wembanyama said. “He’s got such an amazing story… he’s had tough moments, but he keeps pushing and now he’s taking this team to the NBA Finals.”

Charania reported that the contract includes a structure that provides Champagnie with $42 million in new money early in the deal while giving the Spurs additional salary cap flexibility.

The Spurs also reportedly agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with forward Harrison Barnes before free agency opens Tuesday. The team must also decide whether to re-sign Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo and other reserve players.

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