The San Antonio Spurs are expected to offer Victor Wembanyama a massive contract extension this summer, but it could be a drop in the bucket compared to his true earning potential.
As the San Antonio Spurs take on the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, it's hard to look ahead to the offseason. The Spurs are not expected to make a blockbuster trade, but that doesn't mean there aren't some splashy moves on the table.
With Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk both slated for unrestricted free agency, the Spurs will have ample cap room to extend Julian Champagnie, who is currently only making $3 million a season, a gross underpay.
In addition to that, Victor Wembanyama is due for his rookie extension. Negotiations are expected to be simple: the Spurs will offer him the most money possible, and Wemby will say yes.
Besides, that contract won't be the biggest one he signs in the coming months.
Wembanyama Could Command Billions
The Spurs are limited by the salary cap and collective bargaining agreement. Sneaker companies, meanwhile, are not.
Wembanyama is currently under contract with Nike and also represents giants like Gatorade, HEB, and Louis Vuitton. He refuses to sell soda or unhealthy food, but shoes? That's a classic endorsement in NBA circles.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, his current deal with Nike is nearing its expiration.
"Sources tell me his shoe deal is actually up in October as well," Charania said. "So he's going to be a sneaker free agent coming up."
Wembanyama is already the best player in the world and is only 22 years old. He has very real GOAT potential, and players of his caliber have signed massive deals.
Last year, Michael Jordan made around $300 million in royalties. LeBron James, meanwhile, is signed to a $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike.
Wembanyama is nearly two decades younger than James. A "lifetime" deal for him has a much longer runway, and with his international appeal, should carry a hefty price tag.
In addition to Nike, there's Adidas and Converse stateside, and La-Ning in China, which just signed Stephen Curry to a $400 million deal.
Could Wembanyama join James and Jordan as the NBA's only billionaire players? And could he secure that wealth before he even turns 23 next January? If a shoe company wants to add him to its portfolio, it'll take a massive offer.
