The Spurs are doing some housekeeping before the season starts. On Thursday, they picked up the third-year team option on Stephon Castle’s contract and the fourth-year team option on Victor Wembanyama’s contract, securing the services of two of their best players for the 2026-27 season.
In the recent past, San Antonio faced some tough decisions on team options for players on rookie deals, namely those belonging to Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. This is different. Castle and especially Wembanyama have vastly outplayed their contract values and should continue to do so until they enter restricted free agency or, more likely, sign extensions. The front office had until October 31 to exercise the option, but it made no sense to wait.
Wembanyama was drafted in 2023 and will be on a rookie deal until the summer of 2027. The Spurs picked up the final team option on his contract. He’s expected to sign a maximum extension next offseason, when he becomes eligible. He was named an All-Star in his second season before missing time after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. He’s healthy now and has looked dominant in preseason play.
Castle was drafted in 2024. Just like Wembanyama, he won Rookie of the Year. He will be on a rookie contract until the summer of 2028. Next offseason, the Spurs will have the opportunity to exercise a team option for the fourth year of his deal, which they’ll undoubtedly do, barring something unforeseen. He could be the starting point guard on opening night, as De’Aaron Fox is expected to miss the first few games of the season.
Wembanyama has averaged 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.7 blocks in 31.1 minutes a game over two seasons.
Castle averaged 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 26.7 minutes a game in his first season in the league.