NBA insider confirms what Spurs fans have known about Julian Champagnie's future

Following a disappointing end to a successful season, the San Antonio Spurs' attention now turns to the offseason. Near the top of their to-do list this summer is to lock up forward Julian Champagnie on a long-term deal.

Unfortunately, according to The Athletic's John Hollinger (subscription required), he could command $100 million when he hits free agency. That price tag is certain to cause sticker shock among Spurs fans, though they knew he'd be costly to re-sign.

Even so, it's hard to say that Julian Champagnie had nothing short of a great season.

He played a staggering 105 total games and provided steady 3-point shooting, rebounding, and defense. In fact, the Spurs really didn't emerge as true contenders until they replaced Harrison Barnes with him in the starting five.

The Spurs may not be able to afford Julian Champagnie long-term

If Hollinger is right, then San Antonio should still jump at the chance to keep him. Even if he potentially makes $20 million on average on his next contract.

He is likely worth that much, though San Antonio can't pay him, Vassell, De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, or Dylan Harper. Something's gotta give.

Ironically, with Champangnie on a team option for next season, the best way to retain him is to decline that option, thus making him a free agent.

In doing so, they can negotiate a five-year deal worth around $20 million annually. That would be their best way of retaining Champangnie on a relatively team-friendly contract.

Especially with Hollinger mentioning the possibility of having his contract decline overtime. That would potentially start his next contract at around $21,600,000 and end at $18,400,000.

To keep Champagnie, the Spurs may move on from another player

Were San Antonio to extend Champangnie, it would likely mean they'd have to move on from another rotation player. Keldon Johnson would seemingly be the odd man out.

He had an awful playoff performance and is set to enter the final year of his contract. Thus, if they were to re-sign Champagnie, they probably won't be able to extend Johnson.

The same could be said for Devin Vassell. His contract runs through 2029, which coincides with the final year of Harper's rookie deal.

Odds are, he may eventually be gone as well. Things could change by then. Wembanyama might take less than the supermax. Or Castle might not qualify for the 30% rookie max, and Fox might have been traded before then.

But San Antonio shouldn't waste an opportunity to lock up a key rotation player. Therefore, if a five-year $100 million deal for Champagnie is what it takes, then so be it.

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