What rare move did the Spurs make before Victor Wembanyama turned down millions?

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The San Antonio Spurs remain fully committed to building their future around superstar Victor Wembanyama. On Friday, the franchise officially signed Wembanyama to a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension.

NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that before finalizing the extension, Spurs chairman Peter J. Holt, CEO RC Buford, general manager Brian Wright, and head coach Mitch Johnson traveled to Paris to personally meet with Wembanyama, his family, and his representatives.

“Spurs chairman Peter J. Holt, CEO RC Buford, GM Brian Wright and coach Mitch Johnson traveled to Paris to meet and spend time with Victor Wembanyama and his family and reps Friday. Wembanyama was essentially a lock to earn a $303M supermax if he played 65 games next season -- but he opted for a significant sacrifice at a flash point for the Spurs' rise,” Charania wrote.

After exploring multiple contract structures, Wembanyama and the organization ultimately agreed to a deal based on the 25% maximum salary cap figure. Wembanyama didn’t wait for the 30% supermax escalator, which could have increased the contract's value to approximately $303 million. By leaving roughly $50 million on the table, the French phenom has provided San Antonio with valuable financial flexibility.

Wembanyama is coming off a remarkable season that further cemented his status as one of the NBA's brightest young superstars. He guided the Spurs to a 62-20 regular-season record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

In his first postseason appearance, the 22-year-old delivered a playoff run that carried San Antonio all the way to the NBA Finals. Although the Spurs ultimately fell to the New York Knicks in a five-game championship series, the season demonstrated the franchise's immense potential.

With Wembanyama now locked in for the long term and the front office gaining added financial flexibility, San Antonio appears well positioned to continue its pursuit of another NBA title.