The Oklahoma City Thunder have made it clear that they are committed to building a strong, long-term foundation for their team after capturing their first-ever NBA title.
Fresh off their historic victory, the Thunder have agreed to a rookie max extension with forward Jalen Williams, a key player in their championship run.
The new deal, which will take effect starting with the 2026-27 NBA season, could be worth up to $287 million over five years, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Jalen Williams’ Stellar Performance and Impact
Jalen Williams, known as “J-Dub,” had an incredible 2024-25 season, which was the most productive of his career so far. Not only did he earn his first All-Star Game appearance, but he also achieved third-team All-NBA honors and was named to the second-team All-Defensive squad.
His versatile skills were showcased throughout the season as he played every position except for point guard. Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.8 three-pointers per game in 69 regular-season games.
His all-around performance was crucial to the Thunder’s success throughout the regular season, and he continued to deliver during the NBA Finals. Williams was instrumental in Oklahoma City’s march to the championship, including a standout 40-point performance in a Game 5 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Despite playing through a right wrist injury, which required surgery shortly after the Finals, Williams remained one of the Thunder’s most reliable contributors.
Securing the Future of the Thunder
With the extension for Williams, the Thunder have continued to solidify the future of their core players. Along with Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City has also locked in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren with their own extensions this offseason, adding up to a total of $822 million in contracts.
These moves demonstrate the franchise’s commitment to keeping their young talent together and building around them for future success.
Additionally, the Thunder have also agreed to new deals with Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell, further strengthening their roster and securing the team’s depth for years to come.
With these key players under contract, Oklahoma City is setting itself up for sustained success, and the Thunder’s front office, led by executive Sam Presti, has been quick to ensure that the team remains competitive in the coming seasons.
What’s Next for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
With the offseason moves already made, the Thunder are in an excellent position to continue building on their NBA title. The roster now boasts a solid mix of youth and experience, with players like Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Holmgren leading the charge.
As the team enters the 2025-26 season, fans will be watching closely to see if the Thunder can continue their championship momentum and further solidify their place as a title contender in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are undoubtedly one of the most exciting teams in the league right now, and their offseason moves have only reinforced that position.
By locking up their star players like Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren with long-term contracts, the Thunder are building for both the present and the future. With the right mix of talent and leadership, Oklahoma City is poised to remain a major contender in the NBA for years to come.
