Jalen Williams extended by the Thunder!

The Oklahoma City Thunder continues to lock down its NBA championship core. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, it’s now Jalen Williams‘s turn to sign a record contract extension. The 24-year-old wing has signed a five-year maximum contract worth up to $287 million, according to ESPN.

This extension is part of the Thunder’s ambitious strategy, having already invested nearly $750 million to retain their star trio. Williams joins Gilgeous-Alexander ($285 million over four years) and Holmgren ($250 million over five years) in this continuity approach following the franchise’s first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City.

Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder All-NBA star and champion Jalen Williams has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287 million, agents Bill Duffy and Justin Haynes of WME Basketball told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/3lwASY42iT

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025

Meteoric Rise Crowned with NBA Title

Williams had an exceptional season that fully justifies this massive investment. Selected 12th in the 2022 draft, the former Santa Clara player posted impressive statistics: 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, with 48.4% field goal percentage and 36.5% from three-point range.

These performances earned him his first All-Star selection, a place in the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team. During playoffs, Williams maintained his level with 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, highlighted by a 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Pacers.

Williams’ impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by basketball legends. « He’s quite unique, » says Scottie Pippen. « I love watching him play. I see a lot of myself in him. I see a young player becoming one of the league’s best. He’s clearly capable of leading, alongside Shai, a franchise to multiple NBA titles. »

Core Locked Up Until 2031

With these three major extensions, the Thunder ensures keeping its Big Three until 2031, during which time Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Williams (24), and Holmgren (23) will enter their prime. This contractual stability offers an exceptional window for a franchise that just completed the NBA’s best regular season (68-14) before securing its first title.

Oklahoma City’s successful strategy of investing heavily in youth while maintaining an almost identical roster positions the Thunder as a serious contender for years to come. With a total of $822 million invested in three players, management clearly shows their ambitions for long-term dominance.