Philly waived a future Finals starter to free up dunk contest spot. 🤦‍♂️

In this video, we break down one of the wildest front-office blunders in recent NBA history. Back in February 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers waived undrafted rookie Julian Champagnie. It wasn’t a trade—it was a straight cut, all to clear a roster spot so G-League sensation Mac McClung could officially represent the Sixers in the Slam Dunk Contest.

While McClung brought home the trophy, the San Antonio Spurs quietly claimed Champagnie just two days later. Fast forward to the 2026 NBA Finals, and Champagnie has developed into a premier 3-and-D starter alongside Victor Wembanyama, even torching the New York Knicks for a franchise-record 36 points and 11 three-pointers to break Chuck Person’s 1997 record.

The Cost of a Dunk Contest Trophy:
February 2023: Sixers waive Julian Champagnie to make room for Mac McClung’s viral dunk contest run.

The Spurs Development: San Antonio claims him and transforms him into a highly reliable, high-volume floor spacer.

The 2026 Finals: Champagnie starts all 14 playoff games on the biggest stage while Philly is left wondering what could have been.

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