The Spurs are over the $165.0M cap but under the luxury tax, and De'Aaron Fox's $49.8M is the largest deal on the books. Next season Victor Wembanyama's salary jumps to $43.5M, and that number shapes every decision from here.
How close are the Spurs to the luxury tax?
Close enough to be careful. Payroll is $196.1M against a $200.4M tax line, so the club is over the cap and under the tax with only a few million of room. The first apron sits at $209.0M and the second at $221.7M, both out of reach for now. Any in-season deal that takes back more salary than it sends out would push San Antonio toward the tax.
What happens when Wembanyama's next contract kicks in?
His salary goes from $16.9M this season to $43.5M in 2027-28. Fox also rises, from $49.8M to $53.8M. Together they take up a large share of the cap. That is the price of a core that went 62-20 and reached the Finals last season. Vassell is the one big number moving the other way, from $27.0M down to $24.7M.
Who comes off the books after this season?
Keldon Johnson at $17.5M, Harrison Barnes at $8.0M and Jordan McLaughlin at $2.4M have no 2027-28 salary. Johnson is the one that matters. He has the third-largest salary on the roster and is averaging 8.3 points in 21.7 minutes through three games. Tobias Harris stays on at $15.8M next season. He is out with a calf injury and expected back October 28.
Were the options on Castle, Harper and Bryant worth it?
Yes, and the early production supports it. The Spurs picked up 2027-28 options on all three: Castle at $12.7M, Harper at $13.6M and Bryant at $5.4M. Harper is scoring 20.0 points a night through three games. Castle is at 19.3 points and shooting 37.9 percent from three. Production at those prices is what lets a club carry two star salaries and still have room to work.
What does the draft pick situation look like?
Thin in the near term. The 2027 first-rounder is owed to Sacramento, tonight's opponent, now 0-3. The 2027 second, 2028 first and 2030 first are swaps. The 2029 first and the 2028, 2029 and 2030 seconds are owned outright. That makes the 2029 first the cleanest trade chip if the front office wants to add help, and the tax line limits how much salary it can take back.
Are the San Antonio Spurs over the luxury tax in 2026-27?
No. Payroll is $196.1M, which is over the $165.0M salary cap but under the $200.4M luxury tax line.
Who owns the Spurs' 2027 first-round pick?
The Sacramento Kings own it. San Antonio also has swaps on its 2028 and 2030 first-round picks.
