$250 million for Chet Holmgren at Oklahoma City!
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds the NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy at the end of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren is getting paid big time at Oklahoma City. After leading the Thunder to their first NBA title in history, the 23-year-old American center signed a five-year contract extension worth $250 million, according to reports from ESPN and Shams Charania. This is the maximum amount the player could receive coming off his rookie contract.
Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder star and NBA champion Chet Holmgren has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $250 million, his agent told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/Jlb863df4y
— ESPN (@espn) July 9, 2025
A triumphant return after hip injury
Holmgren’s 2024-2025 season had a rough start. After suffering a serious hip injury in early November, the former Gonzaga player missed three months of competition. However, his return in February was spectacular, helping the Thunder build their path to the title.
Despite this extended absence, Holmgren finished the regular season with impressive statistics: averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, while shooting 49%, including 37.9% from 3-point range. The slender 7’1″ center became indispensable both offensively and defensively in the Thunder‘s system.
Decisive playoffs to secure the title
During the playoffs, Holmgren elevated his game. In 23 matches, he averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, posting a +169 plus/minus, the best of all players in the postseason. His performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Pacers will be remembered: 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, a crucial contribution to Oklahoma City‘s championship.
Holmgren’s contract, guaranteed at $239 million, includes an escalator clause that can bring the extension to $250 million. This extension follows that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who signed for four years and $285 million at the beginning of the month. The Thunder will now look to extend Jalen Williams, another star of this team with a bright future.
Selected second overall in the 2022 Draft, Holmgren had already missed his entire first season due to a right foot ligament rupture. Despite these early career physical setbacks, Oklahoma City decided to bet big on their gem, a key element of the Thunder’s historically effective defense.
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