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NBA World Reacts to Jalen Williams' Max Extension With Thunder As Second Apron Looms

Oklahoma City will be paying a pretty penny to keep its core together over the coming years.

Mike Kadlick

Jalen Williams signed a rookie max extension on Thursday.
Jalen Williams signed a rookie max extension on Thursday. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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The Oklahoma City Thunder signed star forward Jalen Williams to a five-year, maximum rookie contract extension on Thursday afternoon that can reach up to $287 million. The deal ties the 24-year-old to the reigning NBA champions through the 2030-31 season.

The move—executed by general manager Sam Presti, the 2025 NBA Executive of the Year—keeps the Thunder's core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Williams together for the foreseeable future. Both SGA and Holmgren agreed to lucrative extensions with the club this offseason as well.

Shelling out bundles of cash, of course, comes with potential salary cap repercussions and—as OKC inches towards the dreaded second apron—fans all had a similar reaction to the move across X (formerly Twitter):

Williams, 24, was named an All-Star in 2025 for the first time in his career and earned both All-NBA Third Team and All-NBA Defensive Second team honors. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.

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