The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t waiting around to defend their title – they’re doubling down on their future. Just days after signing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to major extensions, the team has reached an agreement with forward Jalen Williams on a five-year rookie max deal that could reach $287 million, agents Bill Duffy and Justin Haynes told ESPN.
At just 24, Williams is now officially locked in alongside Gilgeous-Alexander (26) and Holmgren (23), giving the Thunder one of the most dynamic young cores in the league – and all three are signed through the end of the decade.
The timing couldn’t be better. Fresh off winning the franchise’s first NBA championship, OKC is wasting no time making sure the same roster that shocked the league stays intact. The three extensions total a jaw-dropping $822 million – a figure that would’ve been unimaginable for a small-market team even five years ago.
Williams Played Through Pain – and Still Delivered a Finals to Remember
Williams’ performance in the postseason was gritty and unforgettable. He suffered a full tear of the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist in early April but played through it, his wrist heavily taped and treated with regular injections. He shared the entire process on his YouTube channel, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to stay on the court.
That toughness paid off. In the Finals, Williams increased his scoring in each of the first five games, topping out with a 40-point performance in Game 5 – making him the third-youngest player in 50 years to score that many in a Finals game, per NBA History. He and SGA combined for 1,180 points in the postseason – the fourth-highest total by a duo in NBA playoff history.
Defensively, Williams was elite. According to GeniusIQ, he led the league in points allowed per direct isolation among players who defended at least 125 isolations. His 7-foot wingspan and relentless energy made him a nightmare for opposing scorers. Add in All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, and it’s easy to see why OKC made him a priority.
Oklahoma City is now looking at a projected payroll of $246 million for the 2026-27 season – which will push them over both luxury tax aprons. But with $77 million in non-guaranteed contracts and a war chest of future draft picks, they’ve built flexibility into their success. As ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, it’s a rare blend of spending and sustainability.
The message is clear: this Thunder core isn’t just built to win now – it’s built to last.
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