The Oklahoma City Thunder have finalized a rookie max contract extension with their standout center, Chet Holmgren, shortly after winning the 2025 NBA Finals. This agreement, confirmed by Holmgren’s agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, guarantees Holmgren up to $250 million over five years, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Building a Championship Core with Lucrative New Deals
This Holmgren extension marks the second significant contract the Thunder have secured since their championship victory over the Indiana Pacers. On July 1, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year deal worth $285 million, demonstrating the Thunder’s commitment to retaining their top stars. Jalen Williams, another young talent on the roster, is expected to finalize an extension soon, further strengthening Oklahoma City’s core.
Holmgren’s Rise After Overcoming Early Setbacks
Selected as the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren missed his entire rookie year due to a foot injury but made a strong return the following season. He finished as runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting, posting averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, with notable shooting accuracy of 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Holmgren maintained solid performance throughout the 2024-2025 season, improving his three-point shooting to 37.9 percent while averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. His consistency continued into the playoffs, where he averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game across 23 starts, playing a key role in the Thunder’s postseason success.
Thunder’s Young Trio Set to Lead Future Championship Pursuits
The Thunder’s young core, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams, is viewed as a foundation for sustained success and future title contention. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Holmgren’s versatile style, noting how it enhances the team’s approach to modern, positionless basketball.
“It’s where the NBA has gone today, it’s positionless basketball. Any position can do anything, pass, dribble, shoot. He’s such a versatile player, he brings so much to the game and makes it so much easier for myself and the rest of my teammates.”
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder star
With Holmgren’s fully guaranteed $250 million extension now secured, the Thunder have ensured that their promising young star will remain an integral part of their championship plans for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Chet Holmgren?
A. Oklahoma City has experienced being without Holmgren before. A torn Lisfranc ligament in his right foot kept him out for all of the 2022-23 season. This injury, which happened during a pro-am game, led to surgery in August. Because of this timing, the Thunder knew he wouldn’t play for the upcoming season.
Q. What happens to Chet Holmgren?
A. Last winter, Chet Holmgren followed a routine he hopes not to repeat. An in-game fall broke his hip in six places, keeping him bed-bound for weeks. This time in bed was necessary for his bones to heal, but while his body recovered, his mental state suffered.