Thunder star Jalen Williams agrees to 5-year rookie max contract extension worth $287 million

The Oklahoma City Thunder have locked in one of their rising stars for the long haul, agreeing to a five-year rookie max extension with Jalen Williams that could be worth up to $287 million, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

The former Santa Clara standout, taken 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft with a pick acquired in the Paul George trade with the Clippers back in 2019, has quickly blossomed into a franchise cornerstone. Williams nearly snagged Rookie of the Year honors, finishing second behind Orlando's Paolo Banchero.

OKC also handed big man Chet Holmgren a five-year, $239 million rookie-scale deal. Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in that same 2022 class, now joins Williams as a key piece of the Thunder’s long-term title blueprint.

Williams proved to be a vital cog in the Thunder's machine this past season, finishing as their second-highest scorer while playing a key role on the defensive end. The versatile guard posted impressive numbers: 21.6 points, 5.3 boards, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 triples per game, all while shooting a crisp 48% from the field.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He earned his first All-Star nod, was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and cracked the All-Defensive Second Team, a testament to his two-way impact.

Now, under the tighter financial constraints of the new CBA, assembling a trio of max-level stars is no easy feat. But the Thunder are uniquely positioned. With a youthful core, smart contracts, and reliable vets on bargain deals, they have the breathing room to keep their Big 3 intact.

Add to that a stockpile of draft assets and the arrival of Nikola Topic, the exciting rookie who’s set to finally make his debut after a year lost to injury, and Oklahoma City's future looks every bit as bright as its present.

GM Sam Presti is clearly playing the long game. As long as this core stays healthy, the Thunder's championship window isn't just open, it's wide enough to drive a title run through.

The Thunder are set to enter their third straight season as serious title contenders in 2025-26, and they'll do it without crossing the luxury tax line. That’s thanks to a shrewdly constructed squad centered around a trio of young stars and surrounded by smart, team-friendly deals that add depth without breaking the bank.

Looking ahead to 2026-27, OKC's projected payroll is expected to hit $246 million, pushing them past both the first and second salary cap aprons, according to ESPN. But unlike other big-spending franchises, the Thunder have built-in breathing room. They hold $77 million in non-guaranteed contracts, giving them room to maneuver.

With a war chest of future draft picks and a carefully structured salary sheet, Sam Presti and company have positioned Oklahoma City to keep this core intact and competitive for years to come, all while maintaining financial flexibility.