Julian Champagnie secures new deal as Spurs weigh crowded starting lineup

Julian Champagnie’s rise with the San Antonio Spurs has been rewarded with a three-year, $45 million contract extension agreed to at the end of June. After earning a starting spot over Harrison Barnes late last season, the forward has now secured a long-term place in the organization and is set to make more in 2026-27 than he did over his first four NBA seasons combined.

Champagnie’s path to this deal has been anything but guaranteed. He was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2023 while on a two-way contract, then claimed by the Spurs a few days later. His strong finish to that rookie campaign led to a four-year, $12 million agreement in the 2023 offseason. The 25-year-old has said he feels indebted to San Antonio for being the only team to offer the opportunity he was seeking, and described the new extension as having “meant the world” to him.

Barnes embraces lesser role as Spurs sort out starters

Despite losing his starting job to Champagnie, Harrison Barnes is back for a third year in San Antonio after re-signing on a one-year, $8 million free agent contract. The 15-year veteran is comfortable with the smaller role he held late in 2025-26 and wanted to return after investing two seasons of hard work with the young core, saying he enjoys his teammates and the progress the group has made.

Head coach Mitch Johnson still has significant decisions to make with his starting lineup. De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are expected to compete for two backcourt spots, while new arrival Tobias Harris could challenge either Devin Vassell or Champagnie at forward. Johnson has indicated the three guards will share the floor more often regardless of who opens games, and players have publicly downplayed any potential friction, framing the competition as a positive sign of depth and experience on the roster.

Donovan joins staff, Bryant focuses on 3-and-D growth

On the sidelines, Johnson will be supported by a new lead assistant after Billy Donovan agreed to join the Spurs’ staff. Johnson has praised Donovan’s personality, extensive experience and work ethic, emphasizing that the longtime coach has quickly immersed himself in day-to-day responsibilities rather than taking a hands-off role.

Further down the depth chart, forward Carter Bryant is targeting a refined 3-and-D identity entering his second season. He has outlined goals of improving defensively by guarding multiple positions, contesting at the rim and picking up ball-handlers full court to disrupt opposing offenses. Offensively, he wants to shoot more quickly and confidently and attack closeouts while keeping his responsibilities simple, aiming to perfectly fit the role the team needs from him.