The Spurs are just one Victor Wembanyama move away from a dynasty

The San Antonio Spurs' offseason is all but complete, so their attention likely turns to superstar Victor Wembanyama. He is extension eligible, and many Spurs fans are hoping that he will take a big pay cut to ensure the team's long-term success.

He is currently eligible for a max 5-year, $251 million extension. That contract also has the potential of ballooning up to $300 million if he makes All-NBA, wins Defensive Player of the Year again, or wins MVP next season.

That is entirely possible, though the front office may hope that he doesn't qualify for those awards. If he were to play, say, 64 games instead of 65, that would save San Antonio $50 million over the next five seasons, or $10 million annually.

That is a huge difference and could help them keep a rotation player and position them to better contend going forward.

The Spurs may secretly hope Victor Wembanyama doesn't get a supermax deal

After the New York Knicks won the NBA championship, many pointed to star Jalen Brunson taking a significant pay cut to put the best possible team around him. Wembanyama has an opportunity to do the same and has a few different ways to do that.

One option could see him not include language to qualify for supermax, meaning that his deal would be a straight 5-year $251 million extension. Or, better yet, settle for a deal around $225 million.

That would go a long way towards the Spurs keeping their core together. Hopefully that will appeal to Wembanyama, who clearly loves his teammates.

The Spurs may hope Wembanyama takes a pay cut but shouldn't expect it

While Wembanyama may be selfless, passing up on that much money may not be a reasonable expectation. Should arguably the best player in the NBA take a pay cut?

Probably not, though it would help the Spurs build the best possible team. Perhaps the best comp for the Spurs' future is the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder have three players on max contracts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a supermax and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren on max deals. None of them took pay cuts, and the Thunder still have the flexibility to contend.

Hopefully Wembanyama will pleasantly surprise us. But even if he doesn't, Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper are the Spurs' big three going forward.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow