After missing the NBA playoffs for four straight seasons, the San Antonio Spurs will try to make a comeback. In a Western Conference where nearly every club can make the playoffs, the Spurs hope to establish themselves as a postseason contender with Victor Wembanyama poised to lead the way in his rookie campaign.
The Spurs hope to retain their core for a long time, except from the French big man who was selected first overall in the 2023 draft. In this direction, they agreed to a five-year, $146 million deal extension with Devin Vassell.
Vassell signed the largest contract in team history despite the salary cap rising each year.
Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and other stars are represented in the top five largest contracts in Spurs history
5. Manu Ginobili ($14 million for a year)
One of the greatest players in San Antonio Spurs history, Manu Ginobili contributed to the team’s four championship victories (in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014). He developed into one of the pillars of a Spurs squad that was a contender for the championship for over 15 years.
Since his final contract with the organisation was only for a year but was worth $14 million, he is also one of the players with the largest contracts in the history of the franchise.
4. Tony Parker ($43,3 million over three years)
Tony Parker played a key role in the Spurs’ dynasty in the 2000s and 2010s, winning four championships, much like Manu Ginobili achieved.
With a $14.4 million yearly contract throughout the latter part of his time with the organisation, he rose to become one of the highest-paid players. He agreed to a three-year, $43.3 million deal.
3. Pau Gasol ($48 million over three years)
Pau Gasol resided in San Antonio from 2016 to 2019 for two and a half years. He was unable to guide his side to victory and dealt with several illnesses that caused him to miss a substantial amount of time.
Nevertheless, he rose to become one of the highest-paid players in the franchise’s history after agreeing to a three-year, $48 million contract in the summer of 2017 that would pay him $16 million a year.
2. Kawhi Leonard (five-year deal worth $94,3 million)
In the seven years he played for San Antonio (2011–2018), Kawhi Leonard developed into a superstar. In 2014, he replaced San Antonio’s Big Three (Parker, Ginobili, and Tim Duncan) by winning a championship and being named Finals MVP.
A five-year, $94,3 million contract with a $18,8 million yearly pay was signed by him in 2015, making him one of the highest-paid players in the history of the team.
1. Tim Duncan ($122 million over seven years)
Tim Duncan, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame who won five titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014), is regarded as one of the greatest players in league and San Antonio history.
After agreeing to a seven-year, $122 million contract in 2003 and a two-year extension worth a combined $40 million in 2010, he became the highest-paid player. Thus, over the course of nine years, he received a total of $152 million, translating to a salary of $20 million in 2010 and 2011, respectively.