Jalen Williams Secures Massive $287M Extension as Thunder Lock Down Championship Core
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar and All-NBA champion Jalen Williams has locked in a jaw-dropping five-year rookie max extension that could soar to $287 million.
After becoming the second-youngest team in NBA history to win a title, the Thunder are ensuring their dynasty is built to last. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Jalen Williams (24), and Chet Holmgren (23) all locked into long-term deals, Oklahoma City is positioning itself to compete for championships deep into the decade.
Just this week, Gilgeous-Alexander finalized a four-year, $285 million supermax deal, followed by Holmgren’s five-year, $250 million extension. Combined with Williams’ new contract, the Thunder have committed a staggering $822 million to their big three.
Despite battling a serious wrist injury late in the season, Williams delivered when it mattered most. On April 9, he suffered a complete tear of the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. After a brief two-week absence in March, he returned to play through pain with his wrist heavily taped, relying on injections and treatment to manage the injury. He finally underwent surgery following OKC's Finals victory.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams exploded in his third year, earning All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors. He posted a career-high 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.4% from the floor.
At 6-foot-6, with a 7-foot-plus wingspan, Williams has become one of the NBA's most feared perimeter defenders. He wreaks havoc in passing lanes, shuts down drives, and protects the rim. According to GeniusIQ, he led the entire league in lowest points allowed per direct isolation (minimum 125 isolations defended).
In the NBA Finals, Williams elevated his game to legendary status. He dropped a 40-piece in Game 5, becoming the third-youngest player in 50 years to score 40+ in a Finals game—trailing only Magic Johnson (1980) and Russell Westbrook (2021). Throughout the playoffs, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 1,180 total points, ranking fourth-most by a duo in a single postseason in NBA history.
Even more impressive, Williams increased his scoring in each of his first five Finals games—from 17, to 19, to 26, then 27, and finally 40. He became the first player ever to achieve that feat while scoring at least 15 points in each game.
Last season, Williams was one of only four players in the NBA to tally 1,400 points and 100 steals, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and James Harden.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Thunder will enter their third straight title-contending year—still under the luxury tax, thanks to savvy cap management. By 2026-27, they’re projected to have a $246 million payroll, which will place them above both the first and second apron thresholds.
But here’s the kicker: unlike other big-spending franchises, Oklahoma City holds $77 million in non-guaranteed contracts—giving them rare flexibility. Add in their treasure chest of draft picks and well-structured contracts, and the Thunder are strategically set to keep this championship core intact for years to come.
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"Jalen Williams inks a massive $287M extension as the Thunder secure their championship trio with SGA and Chet Holmgren for a dominant NBA future."