Victor Wembanyama's record-setting extension puts the NBA on the Spurs' clock

Victor Wembanyama just signed his first major contract extension with the Spurs, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history. The 2023 first overall pick earns a very deserved $252 million and for the immense value he brings to both ends of the court, that's a steal.

This piece of business was one of the most predictable stories entering the offseason, as a franchise player of his caliber was destined for a huge payday.

But those who have followed the French superstar know that this was not the endgame. Not even close. Wembanyama has aspirations to be the greatest, most unique player ever to grace the hardwood. Signing this deal is a stepping stone, confirming he's headed in the right direction.

For the Spurs, it means something a bit more.

Their margin for error has shrunk immensely.

The Spurs' championship window is wide open

The first three years of Vic's career were seen as part of the rebuild. I know the team just went to the NBA Finals, but nobody expected that. Their success proved that San Antonio had done almost everything right, from drafting and developing talent to trading for the right players and hiring Mitch Johnson.

A young team with low expectations proved their commitment to winning at a high level.

However, they showed several signs that they were still learning during their postseason run. Their inability to hold onto leads, inconsistent execution, and coaching errors were all attributable to their inexperience. There was a lot to learn from in those playoffs.

The stakes are much different now, though. The Silver and Black are no longer playing with house money.

There's no more waiting for the future to arrive

De'Aaron Fox's extension is kicking in next season, and then Wemby's will hit the books. That places two max-players on San Antonio's cap sheet. When you have that kind of money on the payroll, and one of those stars is considered by some to be the best in the world, fans will expect the team to compete for championships every season.

No other franchise has an extraterrestrial on the roster who now has NBA Finals experience. They don't have a rotation flush with lottery picks, lest we forget Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Fox, Devin Vassell, and Carter Bryant were all selected in the top 14 in their respective drafts.

So, they may be young, but they're an incredibly talented group who have now gained valuable experience together. It should be enough to ensure a constant contender status. The front office will do their jobs, trying to keep the right pieces in place around the margins, but there's no more flexibility to just sign a big name.

This is the roster. This is the core. Wembanyama has his money and his running mates. As a team, they have the experience. There are no more excuses. San Antonio spent years assembling this foundation for sustained championship contention.

It's time to reclaim the Spurs' rightful place as a perennial championship contender, as they once were during Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili's reign. The real business is just beginning.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow