Jalen Williams, Thunder agree to rookie max extension - ESPN

Oklahoma City Thunder All-NBA star and champion Jalen Williams has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287 million, agents Bill Duffy and Justin Haynes of WME Basketball told ESPN on Thursday.

After becoming the second-youngest team in NBA history to win a title, the Thunder now have long-term commitments from their big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Williams (24) and Chet Holmgren (23) to play together and compete for championships through the rest of the decade.

Gilgeous-Alexander officially signed a four-year, $285 million supermax Tuesday, and Holmgren reached a five-year, $250 million max Wednesday — with the three new extensions totaling up to $822 million.

Williams suffered a complete tear of the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist April 9 and played through the injury after missing two weeks in March due to a strain in the wrist. Williams detailed on YouTube his experience playing the rest of the season with the serious injury to his wrist, which was heavily taped. He received treatment such as pain-killing and anti-inflammatory injections.

He underwent surgery to repair the wrist after the Thunder's Finals victory.

Williams, the Thunder's No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 draft, earned All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors after a stellar third season in Oklahoma City. He had a career year, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 48.4% shooting from the field.

At 6-foot-6, Williams is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, using his more than 7-foot wingspan to attack passing lanes, deter drives and protect the rim. He led the NBA in points per direct isolation allowed among players to defend at least 125 isolations, per GeniusIQ.

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