Chet Holmgren’s $250M Deal Could Be a Game-Changer for Jalen Williams and OKC
Let’s talk about something that's stirring up a lot of attention in the NBA world right now—Chet Holmgren’s massive new contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, the reigning NBA champs just locked in one of their cornerstone players to a five-year deal worth up to $250 million. That’s a life-changing number, no doubt. But what’s even more interesting is how this deal might be setting the table for something even bigger—and it involves none other than Jalen Williams.
Holmgren, the 7'1" big man drafted second overall in 2022, finally got his breakout moment this past season after missing his rookie year due to injury. He averaged a solid 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and ranked fourth in blocks per game with 1.9. He also helped the Thunder win a championship and proved himself as a critical piece of OKC’s future. But the real headline here isn't just the money—it’s how he signed that deal.
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Holmgren didn’t max out every possible dollar through the “Derrick Rose Rule,” which could’ve bumped his extension to nearly $287 million if he had qualified through accolades like All-NBA or Defensive Player of the Year. Instead, he accepted the base 25% cap figure, essentially leaving room for the Thunder to breathe financially. That’s a major gesture—and a smart long-term play.
Now enter Jalen Williams. This guy already made an All-NBA Team, and he’s eligible for an extension next. He’s finishing the final season of his rookie deal, making just $6.6 million. But based on his upward trajectory, he’s in line to potentially command a full 30% max deal. And unlike Holmgren, Williams has already proven he's capable of hitting that high bar.
So, what does this mean for the Thunder? Holmgren’s team-friendly decision gives OKC a chance to lock in their core—Holmgren, Williams, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—without completely torching their salary cap flexibility. In today’s NBA, managing the “second apron” is just as crucial as having talent. Teams like Cleveland and Orlando are already feeling the heat from players hitting Rose Rule escalators. Holmgren avoiding that, at least for now, buys the Thunder time and space.
And it also sends a message. Chet is here to win, not just cash out. That matters—because if Williams is up next and sees the long-term vision with this franchise, he might do the same thing. We could be looking at a sustainable dynasty in OKC, not just a one-time title team.
It’s rare to see players this young making business decisions that are this mature. Holmgren didn’t just secure his own future—he may have just set the stage for Jalen Williams to do the same and helped keep the Thunder’s championship window wide open. Smart moves like this, from both the front office and the players, are exactly how dynasties begin.
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