Fresh off capturing their first NBA championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder are investing heavily in their young core—committing up to $822 million in extensions to three rising stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. It’s a bold move signaling OKC’s intention to build a long-term dynasty.
Just days after celebrating their title win, the Thunder rewarded their breakout forward Jalen Williams with a five-year rookie max extension reportedly worth up to $287 million. Williams’ rise was undeniable in 2024–25, where he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He earned his first All-Star appearance, All-NBA Third Team honors, and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team. In the Finals, Williams remained steady, including a 20-point, four-assist effort in the title-clinching Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers.
His extension came a day after Holmgren, the Thunder’s versatile center, inked his own rookie max deal—starting at $237 million with the potential to hit $250 million. The centerpiece of it all remains 2025 NBA MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who signed a historic four-year, $285 million deal on July 1, the richest in league history by average annual value.
These blockbuster extensions keep all three stars in OKC through at least the 2030–31 season. Surprisingly, the Thunder are expected to remain under the luxury tax for now. Holmgren and Williams’ new contracts won’t begin until 2026–27, while Gilgeous-Alexander’s kicks in a year later.
By the 2027–28 season, the trio will account for an estimated 86.4% of the salary cap, raising questions about how Oklahoma City will build around them. Veterans like Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Luguentz Dort may become cap casualties. However, OKC’s deep stockpile of first-round picks could allow the team to continue backfilling the roster with cost-controlled young talent.
By locking up their championship nucleus now, the Thunder are showing faith in their homegrown stars and betting that continuity and smart drafting will keep them in title contention for years to come.