Thunder Fortify Championship Core with Jalen Williams $287 Million Max Extension

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Following their recent championship win, the Oklahoma City Thunder are focused on retaining their essential players.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Thunder have come to terms on a five-year rookie maximum extension with All-Star forward Jalen Williams. This deal could reach as high as $287 million, securing Williams alongside reigning Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising center Chet Holmgren for the foreseeable future.

After becoming the second-youngest franchise in NBA history to claim a title, the Thunder are solidifying long-term contracts for their dominant trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Williams (24), and Chet Holmgren (23), who will be able to grow together as they enter their prime years throughout this decade.

The announcement of Williams’ extension follows closely on the heels of Holmgren’s rookie max extension, worth up to $240 million. This marks the third significant extension for the Thunder since securing the NBA championship last month—earlier, Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning Kia MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and scoring champion, signed a four-year extension valued at $285 million.

Williams had a standout season in 2024-25, averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 48.4% overall and 36.5% from beyond the arc. He earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team, all while making his first All-Star appearance.

Throughout the Thunder’s journey to the 2025 NBA championship, he averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, alongside 1.4 steals, shooting 44.9% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range. In a crucial Game 7 of the NBA Finals, he delivered a strong performance with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, contributing to OKC’s 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

With the recent agreements for Williams, Holmgren, and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have secured their promising young core for the coming seasons. All key players from the 2025 championship team are under contract for the next season, with none set to reach free agency until the summer of 2027.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.