Jan 18, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shoots against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder have taken the first step toward keeping their roster together, agreeing with center/forward Jaylin Williams on a three-year, $24 million contract extension, ESPN reported Sunday.
Sunday is Williams' 23rd birthday.
The Thunder held a $2.1 million option for the 2025-26 season, which it declined in favor of the extension. ESPN reported the third year of the new deal also is a team option.
Williams was entering the final season of a four-year, $8.2 million contract.
The Thunder selected Williams in the second round (No. 34 overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arkansas. The 6-foot-8 Williams was limited because of injuries to 47 games (nine starts) in the recently completed season, in which he averaged 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
He has career averages of 5.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 165 games (46 starts).
\--Field Level Media