Spurs’ Julian Champagnie Reveals Career Plan After $45 Million Extension

Julian Champagnie has already secured his place with the San Antonio Spurs through the 2028-29 season.

If the 25-year-old forward gets his way, he'll remain in San Antonio much longer than that.

While attending Thursday's Gold Star Gamers' Cup at USAA, Champagnie made it clear he hopes his newly signed three-year, $45 million extension won't be his final contract with the organization.

“I appreciate them to the fullest,” Champagnie said in a video shared by Wemby Alien Era on X. “Obviously, I’ve been here for three-and-a-half years now. Hopefully I’m here for the rest of my playing career. I love it here. It’s the best.”

Champagnie also expressed optimism about the roster San Antonio has assembled around Victor Wembanyama following its run to the NBA Finals.

READ MORE: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Already Ranks Among All-Time Great Defenders

“The big fella’s here to stay. I’m here to stay,” Champagnie said. “Got the same team back, couple of additions, so it’s going to be pretty good.”

The comments aren't particularly surprising.

Champagnie recently agreed to a three-year extension containing $42 million in new money, providing him with the first significant long-term security of his professional career.

But the journey that led him to this point gives his desire to remain with the Spurs additional meaning.

Philadelphia waived Champagnie in February 2023 to create a two-way roster spot for Mac McClung ahead of his first Slam Dunk Contest appearance.

San Antonio signed Champagnie two days later.

At the time, he was a fringe NBA player uncertain whether another opportunity would arrive. Champagnie later admitted he cried after being waived and believed his professional career may have been over.

Instead ... the Spurs provided him with a chance that completely changed his trajectory.

Champagnie appeared in all 82 games last season, averaging 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds while establishing himself as a dependable starter next to Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.

READ MORE: Victor Wembanyama Makes Declaration of Spurs' 'Potential'

He also broke Danny Green's franchise record for three-pointers made in a season with 192 and set a new Spurs single-game record by connecting on 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

San Antonio rewarded that development with a shiny, new contract.

Champagnie has now responded by expressing a desire to spend the remainder of his career with the franchise.

His appearance at the Gold Star Gamers' Cup also demonstrated that his connection to San Antonio extends beyond basketball.

According to Eleanor Fitzgerald of the San Antonio Report, Champagnie competed against children who lost parents during active-duty military service in games of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate before helping pack school supplies for Operation Homefront's Back-to-School Brigade.

“This is Military City,” Champagnie told Fitzgerald. “It’s important for us to get in the community and show that love to them as well — because they’re coming through and sacrificing a lot for us.”

Champagnie has only spent three-and-a-half years in San Antonio, but he already appears to understand what representing the Spurs requires.

The organization gave him an opportunity when his NBA future was uncertain. He turned it into a starting role, a record-setting season and life-changing financial security.

Now, Champagnie hopes the partnership never has to end.