Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s rising star agreed to a five-year contract extension price as much as $287 million, locking him in as a big cornerstone of the workforce’s future.
Thunder who not too long ago gained the NBA finals in opposition to the Indiana Pacers are betting massive on Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren, whose mixed contracts are price practically $822 million.
Jalen Williams’ type
Jalen Williams had a breakout third season. The 23-year-old averaged 21.6 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per sport. His sensible efficiency earned him his first All-Star nod, an All-NBA Third Staff choice, and a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Staff.
Williams made historical past as solely the second participant, alongside Kobe Bryant, to win an NBA title at age 23 or youthful whereas averaging at the very least 20 factors, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Notably, he performed by way of a completely torn scapholunate ligament in his wrist with out lacking a sport.
The Thunder’s ‘massive three’ imaginative and prescient
Jalen Williams’ extension pairs with huge offers for his teammates. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, signed a four-year, $285 million contract, whereas heart Chet Holmgren secured a five-year deal price as much as $250 million. Collectively, this “massive three” may value the Thunder $822 million.
Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander additionally made historical past because the fourth All-NBA duo below 27 to win a title, following Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in 2015.
Within the NBA Finals in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, Williams averaged 23.5 factors, 5.0 rebounds, and three.7 assists. His 40-point efficiency in Sport 5, capturing 14 of 25, was key to the Thunder’s 3-2 sequence lead and eventual championship victory.
A historic championship season for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s 2024-25 season was one for the file books. They gained 84 video games throughout the common season and playoffs, tying for the third-most wins in NBA historical past.
Their +12.9 factors per sport differential set a league file, and so they topped the NBA in defensive score (106.6), opponent discipline aim share (43.6%), and opponent turnovers per sport (17). At a mean age of 25.6, they had been the youngest workforce to win a title because the 1977 Portland Path Blazers.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s different signings
Normal supervisor Sam Presti is guaranteeing the Thunder keep aggressive. Past the “massive three,” the workforce signed ahead Jaylin Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal and guard Ajay Mitchell to a three-year, $9 million contract. These additions strengthen a younger, gifted roster able to chase extra titles.
