Spurs Need to Decide on Key Roster Move Soon
The San Antonio Spurs have started the season strong, yet the impressive contributions of forward Julian Champagnie remain underappreciated. After an outstanding preseason where he shot 19 for 30 from beyond the arc, Champagnie has proven to be one of the NBA's best value players.
Standing 6-foot-8, his mix of size and sharpshooting makes him a valuable role player, especially on defense. While not a lockdown defender, Champagnie is far from a defensive liability. His length and mobility allow him to guard his position effectively, and he is an above-average rebounder, ranking third on the team with 6.4 rebounds per game.
The Spurs acquired him cheaply, signing him as a free agent midway through the 2022-23 season and then securing him with a 4-year, $12 million contract that summer. With one guaranteed year left on his deal, extending Champagnie's contract makes strong sense.
"If he were to hit unrestricted free agency, then he could earn at least four times what he is making now, and the Spurs shouldn't let it get to that point."
The Spurs should offer a four-year, $40 million extension to keep Champagnie in San Antonio through the 2029-30 season.
Author's summary: The Spurs must act quickly to extend Julian Champagnie’s contract and retain a versatile forward who offers great value in scoring and defense.