Thunder Lock Up Core After NBA Finals Victory

Jalen Williams has agreed to a five-year, $287 million maximum rookie extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren as the franchise's core. This contract comes after the Thunder secured their first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma City, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. Williams, 24, delivered 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, making the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team, and scored 40 points in Game 5 of the Finals despite a wrist injury. He joins Kobe Bryant as the only players to win a title at age 23 or younger while averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the postseason. The Thunder have invested approximately $822 million in Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Holmgren, but now face challenges under the NBA's new CBA and second apron rules. Despite potential salary cap constraints, Oklahoma City's young core positions them as strong championship contenders for the coming years.