Startlingly, a rising star for the San Antonio Spurs is accused of being overpaid.
Well, that’s one take on it.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus compiled a list of players believed to be on bad contracts. Surprisingly, Devin Vassell showed up in the piece labeled as “slightly overpaid.” While Pincus ultimately noted that the Spurs are in a good spot with their payroll, the claim that Vassell’s contract is “a bit high” feels both surprising and, honestly, a bit disrespectful when you consider where he’s at in the pay scale among his peers, his importance to the team, and his production.
Calling Vassell overpaid doesn’t take several factors into account
Vassell currently earns $29 million per year, which puts him behind guys like Immanuel Quickley, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Deandre Ayton. He’s only marginally ahead of Tyler Herro and Nic Claxton. So to label his contract as “too high” seems like a stretch, especially when you consider the trajectory of his career and his role with the Spurs.
Vassell is more than just a solid player—he’s a key part of the team’s future, and San Antonio views him as a foundational piece in their long-term plans. The idea that he’s “overpaid” completely ignores the value he brings to the court and what he means for the future of the franchise.
At just 24 years old, Vassell hasn’t even hit his prime yet, and he’s already delivering. He averaged 20 points per game last season, and he did it while taking on tough defensive matchups and hitting difficult, contested shots. His shot creation and versatility as a wing are essential to the Spurs’ success, and as the team grows alongside generational talent Victor Wembanyama, Vassell will be a critical figure in their pursuit of championships.
Another important factor is the structure of his contract. As the salary cap continues to rise, Vassell’s $29 million annual salary will actually decrease to $27 million starting next season, where it will remain through the 2028-29 season, other than the 2027-28 season when the price goes down to $24.6 million.
With the cap increasing each year, that $27 million figure will likely look like a bargain in just a few seasons. In today’s NBA, teams pay a premium for wings who can score, defend, and create, and Vassell checks all those boxes. His deal is not just manageable—it’s an excellent value for what he brings to the table.
Now, if there’s one contract on the Spurs’ roster that could be questioned, it’s Zach Collins. Collins was paid starter money but has since been relegated to a bench role. Even then, his contract isn’t crippling, and it’s likely tradeable if needed, which further highlights how smart the Spurs have been with their payroll management. But to call out Vassell feels misguided when you consider his potential and the numbers.
The Spurs are in an enviable position with their roster and salary structure, and Vassell’s deal is only going to look better with time. Considering his age, production, and importance to the team’s future, labeling him as “overpaid” feels like a misunderstanding of his value. In truth, San Antonio’s handling of their payroll—including Vassell’s contract—should be praised, not questioned.
