Julian Champagnie Returns Home Seeking NBA Title As Spurs Hold Contract Option

BusinessSportsMoneyJulian Champagnie Returns Home Seeking NBA Title As Spurs Hold Contract OptionByTim Casey,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tim Casey is a reporter who covers basketball and sports business.Follow AuthorJun 08, 2026, 06:00am EDTSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Keldon Johnson #3 and Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs react during the second quarter against the New York Knicks in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesFour years ago, Julian Champagnie ended his college career by scoring a game-high 23 points for St. John’s in a one-point loss to Villanova in the Big East tournament quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. On Monday night, Champagnie will be back at MSG starting for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA finals against the New York Knicks, his hometown team.It is unlikely outcome for a player who wasn’t selected in the 2022 draft and was once overshadowed by his twin, Justin, a guard with the Washington Wizards. Now, Champagnie is an important contributor on a team that trails the Knicks two games to none but looks like it should be in title contention for years to come.The Spurs hold a club option for Champagnie next year at $3 million, a bargain considering his production and young age. Champagnie turns 25 on June 29. San Antonio could pick up the option or negotiate a long-term extension, although those talks are likely on the back burner as the franchise focuses on how to succeed against the surging Knicks, winners of 13 consecutive games.In two games this series, Champagnie is averaging 12 points and seven rebounds, with all of his seven field goals coming on 3-pointers. But...