If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heart of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Williams is the brain, then Chet Holmgren is the spine of the franchise. Together, this trio forms a core of rising superstars with the potential to elevate the Thunder into the next NBA dynasty — perhaps even echoing the dominance of the 1990s Chicago Bulls or the early-2000s Los Angeles Lakers.
Holmgren joined the team as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft but missed his rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. After battling back from another injury during the 2024–25 regular season, he’s emerged as a key contributor in the playoffs.
With elite interior defense and rare ball-handling skills for a 7-footer, Holmgren is proving his worth — and raising questions about what his contract looks like. Let’s dive into the details.
Exploring Chet Holmgren’s Contract Status and Net Worth
Holmgren is on a rookie contract he signed with the Thunder in 2022. He put pen to paper for a four-year, $44,889,248 rookie contract agreement. Moreover, he will earn an average annual salary of $11,222,312 next season (2025-26) and rake in $13,731,368 annually.
His contract included a 2+2 team option, and he will become a restricted free agent at the start of the 2026-27 season. Nonetheless, Holmgren is eligible for a rookie contract extension, and his numbers could grow if he wins the MVP, All-Star, or Defensive Player of the Year award. However, for now, the franchise can stall the offer with the team option in his contract.
Still, Holmgren and Jalen Williams will need a contract extension starting for the 2026-27 season. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in line for a potential supermax extension worth up to five years and $380 million, the Thunder could face tough financial decisions heading into the 2026–27 season. Retaining their core will be critical — and Chet Holmgren is undeniably a cornerstone of that group.
The question then becomes: if you’re a rising star, are you willing to sacrifice a major payday for the sake of team success? Doing so can cement your legacy — but in today’s NBA, such decisions are rare.
One standout example is Dirk Nowitzki, who famously took a pay cut to help the Dallas Mavericks build a championship team, leading to their historic 2011 title run.
If the front office can strike a deal with Holmgren on a shorter-term contract — perhaps two or three years at a more team-friendly rate — it could give the Thunder flexibility to move pieces around and keep their core intact.
However, if all three stars eventually command max or near-max contracts, it may become difficult for OKC to maintain roster depth and add key supporting talent. For now, though, that concern is down the line. While Holmgren’s exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed, estimates based on his salary and bonuses place it between $5–7 million.
In the meantime, fans can sit back and enjoy watching this dynamic trio make their first NBA Finals appearance — chasing a dream they’ve worked their whole lives to achieve.
