Photo: Peter Baba

San Antonio Spurs chairman Peter J. Holt, CEO RC Buford, general manager Brian Wright, and head coach Mitch Johnson traveled to Paris on Friday to meet with Victor Wembanyama, his family, and his representatives as the two sides finalized discussions on his long-term future with the franchise.

Wembanyama was widely expected to qualify for a five-year, $303 million supermax extension if he reached the 65-game threshold next season.

Instead, the 22-year-old chose to accept a significantly smaller deal, making a major financial sacrifice at a crucial stage in the Spurs’ rebuilding process.

The move also follows a tradition established during the Spurs’ championship years, when franchise legends Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker each accepted less than the maximum salary at different points in their careers to help the team remain competitive and strengthen its roster.

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… https://t.co/k3FoqUTJVo