Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder agree to 5-year rookie max extension worth up to $224M: reports
The
Oklahoma City Thunder
's Jalen Williams, an NBA champion and All-NBA star, has recently agreed to a rookie contract extension with a maximum of five years. It might exceed $287 million, WME Basketball agents Justin Haynes and Bill Duffy told ESPN on Thursday.
The 6-foot-6 player is among the league's top perimeter defenders. He attacks passing lanes, blocks drives, and defends the rim with his more than 7-foot wingspan. According to GeniusIQ, he led the NBA in points per direct isolation among players who were able to defend at least 125 isolations.
Oklahoma City Thunder
lock in Jalen Williams with 5-year, $287M
rookie max extension
, complete Big 3 commitment
Despite being a small-market team, the Oklahoma City Thunder are investing in their future and spending money like big-market teams. The
NBA
champions and guard Jalen Williams reached an agreement to extend their rookie contract for a maximum of five years, with a potential value of $287 million.
The 2026–2027 season will mark the beginning of the extension.
Officially announcing the news,
Shams Charania
of ESPN wrote on X on July 11:
'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.'
He further wrote:
'After becoming the second-youngest team in NBA history to win a title, the Thunder now have long-term commitments from their Big 3 of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Williams (24), and Chet Holmgren (23) to play together through the rest of the decade as they enter their primes.'
As per NBC Sports, Chet Holmgren achieved a five-year, $250 million maximum on Wednesday, and
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
formally signed a four-year, $285 million supermax on Tuesday. The three new extensions add up to $822 million.
Jalen Williams is an exceptional player (Image via Instagram / @jalenjdubwilliams)
Due to the spending binge, Oklahoma City's payroll is expected to reach about $250 million beginning in the 2026–2027 season. It might surpass the first and second aprons and perhaps subject to fines for going over the wage ceiling.
By securing
Jalen Williams
, alongside two other remarkable players, the Oklahoma City Thunder ensure that their young core remains together through at least 2030. These three are now under long-term deals, signaling OKC's intent to pursue repeat championships and sustain their newfound success.
Also read:
Who won NBA Championship Finals 2025? Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Finale results and more
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
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