The future of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder just got a lot brighter.
As senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported, Jalen Williams has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie extension worth up to $287 million.
With the newest deal, he now joins Finals MVP Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in a Thunder core trio whose extensions could total up to $822 million, according to Charania.
[ALSO READ: MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs historic four-year, $285-M supermax extension—reports]
[ALSO READ: Chet Holmgren, Devin Booker ink maximum contract extensions with Thunder, Suns—reports]
Williams was selected 12th overall in the 2022 draft and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors after averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during the 2024-25 season.
In the playoffs, the 24-year-old emerged as a key contributor, including a 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers that helped Oklahoma City Thunder secure their first NBA title.
During the Thunder's 23-game playoff run, Williams averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals.
Beyond the numbers, Oklahoma City has quietly built something special. The franchise that once boasted a trio of future MVPs in Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook may have finally found a trio capable of leading them to sustained success.
And the extension of Williams strengthens that belief even further.
