Wembanyama’s extension is just the latest move in Spurs' masterclass offseason

Just when San Antonio Spurs fans thought the off-season couldn't get any better, star Victor Wembanyama made the wildest dreams come true. His decision to take a 25% max as opposed to a potential 30% super max gives San Antonio significant breathing room going forward.

In fact, it will save them up to $50 million over the life of the extension once it kicks in after next season. It also makes it much more realistic for them to duck the second apron for the next 3 years.

That is a huge development since it would let them keep Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De'Aaron Fox together during that span. It also means players such as Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Jayden Quiantance, Tarris Reed Jr., and Carter Bryant can all be retained.

Victor Wembanyama has set the Spurs up for championship glory

Being able to retain those players without going into the second apron is massive since the second apron is meant to break up great teams. I'm not going to get into why the second apron is an awful idea that's hurting the NBA, though it seems that many seem to agree with that sentiment.

The Spurs can gain even more financial flexibility if they are able to move on from Fox before the 2029-30 season. That could possibly happen by unprotected him in an expansion draft, thus wiping out his more than $55 million in annual salary from the books.

The point is that the Spurs are in a far better situation now with Wembanyama for less than the supermax and could have even more flexibility.

Wembanyama's unprecedented step gifts Spurs a golden opportunity

Saving up to $10 million annually could be the difference between the second apron and having to make tough roster decisions or keeping their core together. He chose wisely.

We've already seen teams such as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets forced to make tough decisions. The Celtics were forced to trade Jaylen Brown, partly due to the second apron, while the Nuggets moved on from Michael Porter Jr.

San Antonio hopefully won't have to make those decisions. The closest they might come is moving on from Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes after next season. However, they already have their replacements on the roster and are well-suited to contend for the foreseeable future around Wembanyama, thanks to his selfless move.

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