Spurs Agree to New Contracts for Barnes and Champagnie

Free agent forward Harrison Barnes intends to sign a one-year, $8 million deal to remain with the San Antonio Spurs. The team valued his leadership and production entering a third season in San Antonio. The Spurs finalized the agreement with Barnes' agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management on Monday night.

Additional roster moves Julian Champagnie intends to sign a new three-year, $45 million contract with the Spurs through the 2028-29 season. The team also agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with a center that includes a player option on the second season.

The center is extending an existing contract, allowing negotiations before free agency opens Tuesday afternoon. The team acquired the center from the Atlanta Hawks at the February trade deadline in exchange for two players.

Contract implications The signing affects the team's ability to offer the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception to an unrestricted free agent. A veteran forward declined a $27.6 million player option, providing additional financial flexibility.

Team sources said the forward and the team are expected to reach a new agreement, with contract length and salary to be determined after other roster decisions. The team is still expected to pursue the free agent and explore a possible trade for a Washington center.

Player performance The center averaged 16.1 points in 23.7 minutes across 15 games after joining the team. He appeared in 32 total games this season between the current team and the Hawks. Availability has been an issue in recent seasons. The center dealt with a mysterious illness and Achilles tendinitis and played only 42 games with a prior team the previous year.

The team views the center as a floor-spacing rim protector who can play alongside the veteran forward. They believe the contract represents a bargain if the player remains available.