Thunder Secure Core After First NBA Championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their championship core by signing center Chet Holmgren to a five-year, fully guaranteed rookie maximum extension worth up to $250 million, following a four-year, $285 million supermax extension for NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. These deals lock in two stars who were instrumental in winning the Thunder's first NBA title. Holmgren, who overcame significant early-career injuries, averaged around 15 points and 8 rebounds in the postseason and set a record with five blocks in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Talks are ongoing for a lucrative extension with Jalen Williams, aiming to further solidify the Thunder's Big Three. The team's summer spending now exceeds $535 million, reflecting an aggressive approach amid a rising NBA salary cap. These moves position the Thunder as favorites for the upcoming NBA seasons.