Oklahoma City Thunder Extend Jaylen Williams Contract, Re-Sign Branden Carlson

The Oklahoma City Thunder have committed to retaining key players as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season. Jaylen Williams, a vital contributor to the Thunder's recent championship with averages of 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension potentially worth $287 million, despite recovering from wrist surgery. The team also re-signed center Branden Carlson to a two-way contract; Carlson, who split time between the NBA and G League last season and was part of the championship roster, averaged 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds over 32 games. Additionally, the Thunder have extended major contracts for stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, securing the core of their championship roster for the foreseeable future. Carlson's return alongside fellow two-way player Brooks Barnhizer fills two of the team's three two-way roster spots. These moves signal the Thunder’s focus on maintaining continuity and depth as defending NBA champions.