San Antonio carries $196.1M, over the $165.0M cap and under the $200.4M luxury tax, with De'Aaron Fox's $49.8M at the top. Next season Victor Wembanyama's number rises to $43.5M, while Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes and Jordan McLaughlin have no 2027-28 figure on the sheet.
How close are the Spurs to the luxury tax?
Close. Payroll stands at $196.1M against a $200.4M tax line, so the club is over the cap but not paying tax. The first apron sits at $209.0M and the second at $221.7M, both well clear. That margin matters more than it looks: any midseason move that adds salary runs straight into the tax line, so a trade has to send out roughly what it takes in.
What does Wembanyama's 2027-28 number do to the books?
It changes the shape of them. Wembanyama goes from $16.9M this season to $43.5M in 2027-28, and Fox rises from $49.8M to $53.8M. Those become the two largest figures on next season's sheet by a wide margin. Wembanyama is averaging 25.0 points and 11.4 rebounds, so the money matches the production. It also means the cheap years of the core are ending.
What comes off the books after this season?
Three contracts: Keldon Johnson at $17.5M, Barnes at $8.0M and McLaughlin at $2.4M have no 2027-28 figure. Johnson is the one that matters. He is playing 22.1 minutes and shooting 20.0 percent from three, which makes $17.5M an expiring number a front office can use in a trade. Devin Vassell also dips, from $27.0M to $24.7M, and Luke Kornet from $10.4M to $9.9M.
Were the options on Castle, Harper and Bryant worth exercising?
So far, yes. Stephon Castle is at $12.7M for 2027-28 and is averaging 17.4 points and 5.4 assists. Dylan Harper is at $13.6M with 17.2 points in 32.2 minutes, and he set a career high with 25 against the Knicks. Carter Bryant is at $5.4M and still developing. Two starters' worth of production under $14M each is how a contender pays for its stars.
Which draft picks can the Spurs actually trade?
Fewer than it seems. The 2027 first-round pick is owed to Sacramento. San Antonio holds swaps rather than outright picks in the 2027 second round and the 2028 and 2030 first rounds. The 2029 first is fully owned, as are the 2028, 2029 and 2030 seconds. That leaves the 2029 first as the cleanest asset to offer if this team decides to buy.
Are the San Antonio Spurs paying the luxury tax in 2026-27?
No. Their $196.1M payroll is over the $165.0M salary cap but under the $200.4M luxury tax line.
How much will Victor Wembanyama make in 2027-28?
The Spurs' cap sheet lists Wembanyama at $43.5M for 2027-28, up from $16.9M this season.
