Fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, Victor Wembanyama has signed a deal worth $252 million over the next 5 years. He could’ve had $303 million, but opted for a lesser deal to help the San Antonio Spurs add to the roster. He instantly has generational wealth, but should he have taken the home team discount, or should he have taken every dollar available? If Wemby wants to win in the NBA, he made the correct decision.
“Money Is Nice But Championships Are Better”-Jalen Hurts
The NBA makes it difficult for teams to pay their stars max contracts and stay competitive for a championship due to the luxury tax. There are two apron levels, and teams fear the second because it limits the team’s flexibility. In these situations, teams cannot send money out in trades, use the mid-level exception, or trade draft picks that are seven years out. If a team has its first-round picks, it will automatically be placed at the end of the first round. The restraints make it difficult for teams to make commitments to players.
Jalen Brunson dominated the NBA Finals after signing a $156.50 million deal in 2024 with the New York Knicks (he was eligible for $269 million). He received criticism from his peers and the NBA Players’ Association for taking a $113 million discount. Athletes are on borrowed time and normally take as much money as they can. In the end, Brunson got the last laugh, winning the championship and Finals MVP with teammates who were brought in due to his financial sacrifice. He is currently the third-highest-paid player behind Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby on the Knicks.
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker took less money on their contracts in order to help the Spurs. The times have changed, though, with salaries in today’s NBA through the roof. Just this offseason, the Thunder had to trade Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in order to shed salary due to the Tax. The Boston Celtics have traded away Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and let Al Horford leave in free agency due to the tax during the past two years.
The Spurs will be in an interesting position in due time because of the luxury tax. They will have to make tough decisions regarding Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, and Dylan Harper in the coming years. Perhaps with Wembanyama taking less money, the team could make some moves to help put them over the top and win a championship for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.
Victor Wembanyama Starting A New Trend?
Wemby is deserving of the full max, but he knows the Spurs are on the doorstep of winning it all. Players who want to win a championship have to make sacrifices along the way. He can look at Brunson, Duncan, Parker, and even Tom Brady as a reference because they all have a ring(s). As the values of max contracts rise, it will be interesting to see who takes the bag or who leaves money on the table. Will teams be like the Spurs and ask their stars to take less money? The future face of the NBA made a smart decision about his contract. Time will tell if he’s a trendsetter.
