The 2020s have proven that it is a new era in the NBA. Gone are the eras of multi-time championship dynasties. Instead, the league has seen a new champion in each of the last eight seasons. As a result, parity and competition are at their highest it has ever been.
With no “correct” answer on the process of roster construction, teams have adopted a multitude of ways. But the new CBA restrictions have proven to be huge restrictions, particularly where the cap space is concerned. As a result, the latest news coming from Victor Wembanyama has made the San Antonio Spurs fan base an extremely happy group.
Victor Wembanyama Adopting the Jalen Brunson Model
After a scary blood clot situation limited Wembanyama in his second year, he returned to the league with a vengeance. Walking away with the only unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award in history, he was also in the thick of the MVP race.
That dominance on the court translated to success for the Spurs as well. Emerging as the number-two seed in the Western Conference, they made a magical run through the playoffs to reach the NBA Finals, beating the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, en route.
But the Finals were a different story altogether. Taking on the New York Knicks, San Antonio was thoroughly outclassed, losing in five games, as the experience and poise helped the Knicks dismantle the Spurs in the clutch in virtually every matchup.
It seems like the team has already learned a thing or two from their Finals opponents. One of the key reasons for New York’s success in recent years was attributed to the sacrifice from Jalen Brunson.
Emerging as one of the best point guards in the NBA, he chose to take a pay cut to keep their core together, allowing the organization to keep stars like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns on the roster.
Now, Wembanyama seems to be following a similar trajectory. After he sent out a post on X that read, “Spurs family, I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes,” his very literal meaning soon became clear.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report made the shocking reveal, stating, “There has been word this morning in Las Vegas that Victor Wembanyama is considering signing less than his five-year, $251 million maximum rookie scale extension to provide San Antonio greater financial flexibility.”
Brett Siegel, too, alluded to a similar idea, adding, “Looks like Wembanyama has put pen to paper on a new five-year extension.” But while the details of the contract were yet to be revealed, the fan base was already dancing in joy.
WE LOVE U GOAT https://t.co/7SMvj8pnvc
— Emily (@fembanyama) July 10, 2026
As one proclaimed, “From the man Wembanyama himself! Whatever it takes! Let’s go, Spurs Nation!” Another showcased his gratitude to the French superstar. “We love you, Wemby. Forever grateful for the opportunity you’ve given us <3”
NBA analyst Esfandiar Baraheni wrote, “Cool that Wemby is doing this and all, and from his quotes, he doesn’t seem extremely money motivated. BUT… I don’t like this trend of stars doing the teams a favour. Sets a precedent that every star has to do this or they’re not a “team player.”
The adoration was pouring in from all directions, but it also showed a clear commitment from Wemby to the franchise. As they enter a new era of parity and the path to a championship gets harder, he is leaving no stone unturned to help the Spurs make the best of their window.
It remains to be seen if it works out for them in the end. But the process to make it back to the Finals, and potentially go a step further, has already begun.
