Thunder spend big — but smart — with eye-watering contract extensions

The Oklahoma City Thunder just committed a staggering $822 million to their core stars — and did it in just three days. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams — the team’s homegrown “Big Three” — are now locked in through the end of the decade, giving the reigning NBA champs a solid foundation for sustained success.

Thunder extension details: Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Williams

First came the blockbuster extension for Gilgeous-Alexander: a four-year, $285 million deal for the franchise’s MVP and All-NBA first teamer.

Next up was Holmgren, who’s still on his rookie contract but agreed to a five-year, $250 million extension.

And finally, Jalen Williams — fresh off a breakout season — inked a five-year deal worth up to $287 million.

Williams steps up as Thunder win NBA championship

Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, took a massive leap this year, establishing himself as the perfect running mate for Shai. He earned All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive honors while averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 48.4% shooting. He stepped up big in the playoffs, including a 40-point explosion in Game 5 of the Finals against the Indiana Pacers — making him the third-youngest player in the last 50 years to drop 40 in a Finals game, behind only Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook.

Together, Shai and Jalen combined for 1,180 points in the postseason — the fourth-highest scoring duo in NBA playoff history. Williams also joined elite company last season as one of just four players with at least 1,400 points and 100 steals, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and James Harden.

OKC’s smart spending

Despite their spending spree, the Thunder remain well under the NBA’s punitive second tax apron — and even under the luxury tax threshold, for now. In fact, they became just the fifth team since 2007 to win a title without paying the luxury tax. Credit that to GM Sam Presti, the mastermind behind OKC’s rise. The Thunder won the championship as the fourth-youngest team in the league, with the youngest average age for a title team since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers. They also ranked 25th in total payroll last season — a testament to Presti’s patient, long-term vision.

The Thunder knew this summer would come with eye-watering price tags, but it’s a lot easier to stomach when you’re the team holding the trophy. With their Big Three now signed through 2031, they’ve secured the core — and avoided the kind of financial corner that has undone other would-be dynasties.

Sure, some rival teams might be hoping that the Thunder’s ownership — historically reluctant to pay the luxury tax — will be forced to break things up. Or that the NBA’s new collective bargaining rules, particularly the second apron restrictions, will eventually derail Oklahoma City’s carefully constructed roster.

But Presti has been planning for this moment for years. Thanks to savvy cap management and strategic contract structuring, the Thunder are in a rare position: they can keep their stars and avoid the second apron for at least the next three seasons — if they choose to. It’s yet another reminder that championships aren’t just won on the court — they’re won in the front office, too.

Thunder chase first back-to-back titles in eight years

OKC may not be guaranteed another ring. But they’ve given themselves every advantage to chase one — and maybe even go back-to-back, something no team has done since the Warriors in 2017–18.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.