In a significant move for the Oklahoma City Thunder, star player Chet Holmgren has inked a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could be worth up to $250 million. This news, communicated by his agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, marks a critical step for both Holmgren and the franchise as they look to build on a championship-winning foundation.
After overcoming a challenging start to his NBA career that included three months sidelined with a hip injury, Holmgren made a strong return in February, contributing to the Thunder’s impressive playoff run. His new contract does not include any player or team options, clearly indicating the Thunder’s commitment to their burgeoning star.
The Thunder, now not only the second-youngest team in NBA history to clinch a title but also looking to solidify their core, will soon turn their attention to extending the contract of All-NBA superstar Jalen Williams, who is gaining traction in talks for his own rookie extension.
Oklahoma City’s future looks bright as they secure Holmgren alongside league MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just signed a blockbuster four-year, $285 million extension that will keep him in the fold through the 2030-31 season. At just 23 years old, Holmgren is a pivotal piece of a close-knit Thunder squad that appears poised for sustained contention in the years ahead.
Drafted second overall in 2022, Holmgren has faced challenges, including a significant pelvis injury that forced him to miss most of the previous season—a setback he has now resiliently overcome. Upon returning just before the All-Star break, he demonstrated his skill and potential, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, while boasting shooting percentages of 49% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.
During Oklahoma City’s championship journey, Holmgren was a vital contributor, participating in all 23 playoff games and achieving a remarkable plus-169 plus-minus rating—the highest among all players in the postseason, according to ESPN Research. His length and elite instincts have made him a cornerstone of the Thunder’s defense, contesting an impressive 93% of opponents’ shot attempts when he was the closest defender—ranking second in the league since the previous season.
Holmgren’s defensive prowess was especially evident during the Finals, where he blocked 11 shots, including five in a nail-biting Game 7, setting a record for the most blocks in an NBA Finals Game 7 since the league began officially tracking such stats in 1974. He stands out historically, becoming one of only three players ever to record 150 made three-pointers and 250 blocks in their first two NBA seasons, joining elite company with Victor Wembanyama and Kristaps Porzingis.
As the Thunder continue to strategize their path forward, Holmgren’s extension solidifies their commitment to long-term success, ensuring they have a formidable foundation to compete at the highest level in the coming years. The future is bright in Oklahoma City, with Holmgren at the center of it all.
