The Oklahoma City Thunder are continuing to lock in their young core for the future, and the latest sign of that commitment comes with Chet Holmgren agreeing to a maximum rookie-scale contract extension. The 7-foot-1 center, who was drafted second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has inked a lucrative deal that underscores both his impact on the court and the franchise’s belief that he can help elevate the Thunder into perennial championship contention.
Holmgren’s new contract is reported to be a five-year maximum extension, which could be worth up to $270 million with incentives, depending on the league’s final salary cap and whether Holmgren reaches certain performance benchmarks such as All-NBA honors or Defensive Player of the Year awards. For a player who missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, Holmgren’s rise has been remarkable and a testament to his resilience and the Thunder’s patient development approach.
In his official rookie season in 2023–24, Holmgren quickly showed why he was one of the most hyped prospects of his draft class. Pairing a rare blend of length, defensive versatility, shot-blocking, and perimeter skill, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting over 37% from three-point range. His defensive presence was a game-changer for OKC, transforming the Thunder into one of the league’s stingiest units and complementing their fast-paced, dynamic offense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Holmgren’s extension follows a clear trend in Oklahoma City’s front office strategy under GM Sam Presti — secure homegrown talent early and build continuity around a cohesive, flexible roster. The Thunder already have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under contract through 2027 and recently picked up options on Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, two other pillars of their young core. With Holmgren’s extension, OKC is betting that their unique mix of length, skill, and youth can soon challenge the Western Conference elite.
For Holmgren, this deal not only secures his future financially but also cements his role as a franchise cornerstone alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. His ability to stretch the floor offensively and anchor the defense gives the Thunder a modern big man who fits perfectly with their style of play — fast, positionless, and driven by smart, high-IQ basketball.
Head coach Mark Daigneault has repeatedly praised Holmgren’s impact, not just statistically but culturally. Holmgren’s competitiveness, work ethic, and unselfishness have made him a favorite in the locker room and an ideal fit for OKC’s team-first identity. His recovery and return from injury also sent a clear message about his dedication to maximizing his potential — something the Thunder clearly believe will pay off in the years to come.
The extension also sends a message to the rest of the league that Oklahoma City’s rebuild is over. After years of stockpiling draft picks and nurturing young talent, the Thunder are ready to contend — and they’re backing it up by investing heavily in their core. With a mountain of draft capital still available, the team remains well-positioned to make moves for veteran stars if they choose, but for now, the focus remains on internal development and cohesion.
As the Thunder prepare for another season with heightened expectations, all eyes will be on how Holmgren continues to evolve. If he can stay healthy and build on his promising rookie campaign, he has the chance to be one of the NBA’s most impactful two-way bigs. For OKC fans, Holmgren’s max extension is more than just a contract — it’s a sign that the team’s long-term vision is starting to crystallize into something real, with winning basketball very much on the horizon.
In a league where elite big men are once again shaping championship races, the Thunder have secured theirs for the long haul. Now it’s up to Holmgren and the rest of this young, fearless roster to take the next
step — together.
