The San Antonio Spurs have secured their future by agreeing to a five-year, $135 million extension with guard Devin Vassell. The deal could potentially reach $146 million with bonuses, making it a significant investment for the team. This extension comes as no surprise considering Vassell’s impressive performance in the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 43.9 percent shooting from the floor.
Vassell, who was selected as the 11th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has quickly established himself as a valuable player for the Spurs. His career-best scoring season last year showcased his abilities as a “3-and-D” shooting guard, shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. With this extension, Vassell is expected to be a cornerstone for the franchise alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
By extending Vassell now, the Spurs have secured one of their most valuable players for the next five years. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), teams are now eligible to sign players for five years, whereas under the previous CBA, only max contract extensions could be five years. This extension demonstrates the team’s commitment to Vassell and their belief in his potential.
The question arises: Was this a good deal for the Spurs? Considering the limited number of elite players available in the 2024 free agency and the projected cap space of several teams, it is likely that Vassell would have been in high demand if he had a strong season. Comparing his extension to other guards from his draft class, such as Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Halliburton, Desmond Bane, and potentially Tyrese Maxey, who have received or are expected to receive extensions worth over $200 million, Vassell’s $135 million over five years seems reasonable. While he may not be on the same caliber as those players, his base salary is still substantial.
Furthermore, the Spurs have the option to structure a “descending contract” that front-loads the money into the 2024-25 season and gradually decreases by 8% each year. This strategy allows the team to utilize their cap room in the upcoming season while potentially facing limitations towards the end of Vassell’s extension. By that time, in 2028-29, Wembanyama could be on the second year of his own supermax extension, adding another layer of financial considerations for the team.
To provide some background on Vassell, he played college basketball at Florida State before entering the NBA. In his final college season, he averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, earning him second-team All-ACC honors. Since joining the Spurs, Vassell has maintained solid career averages of 11.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 42.7 percent shooting from the floor. His ability to contribute beyond scoring is evident through his team-leading 2.7 three-pointers made per game in the 2022-23 season.
The Spurs’ decision to extend Vassell comes after a disappointing season where they finished with a record of 22-60 and failed to make the playoffs. However, this extension demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
In conclusion, the San Antonio Spurs have made a significant investment in Devin Vassell by agreeing to a five-year, $135 million extension with bonuses potentially reaching $146 million. This extension secures Vassell as a franchise cornerstone alongside Victor Wembanyama and showcases the team’s belief in his potential. While the deal may not be on the same scale as other extensions in his draft class, it is still a substantial investment for the Spurs. With Vassell’s impressive performance and the team’s strategic contract structuring, the Spurs are positioning themselves for success in the coming years.