Jaylin Williams quietly made a case for more minutes this season. Coming off a tough hamstring injury, he bounced back with confidence. Over 47 games, including nine starts, he averaged 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He also knocked down 39.9% of his threes and even racked up three triple-doubles. That’s the most he’s ever recorded in a single season. During the playoffs, he took a smaller role but still saw action in 17 games, especially during OKC’s gritty series against Denver.
When you look back at his contract, it’s clear he was a value player. Drafted 34th overall in 2022, he signed a four-year, $8.2 million rookie deal. The Thunder guaranteed $4 million at signing, covering the first two seasons. The next two years included team options, and his 2025–26 salary would’ve been just over $2.1 million. But OKC decided to bet big. Instead of the option, they offered him a brand-new extension. This new deal, worth $24 million over three years, speaks volumes about their belief in him.
Interestingly, this all came together around a special moment. Jaylin just turned 23, and his longtime girlfriend, Alanna Harris, didn’t hold back in celebrating him. On Instagram, she posted a sweet photo of the two and wrote, “One of a kind. Strong, kind, and so deeply loved. I hope you feel it today and always. Happy Birthday, boo @jaylinwilliams.”
The two have been together since college, and this message wasn’t just romantic; it reminded fans how grounded Jaylin still is despite the spotlight.
But this was not the only post she made for Jaylin. Just yesterday, Alanna had shared Shams Charania’s announcement of the $24 million contract extension on her Instagram story. Although at that time she didn’t use words to express her feelings. She simply wrote, “🩵🩵.” She also uploaded a picture collage showing Jaylin resting with a box labeled “OKC!” next to him. On it, she wrote, “BEST. DAY. EVER.” That moment seemed to capture everything: pride, love, and a feeling that the best is yet to come.
So, what’s next for Jaylin? For now, he’s staying in Oklahoma City. And by the looks of it, both the Thunder and Alanna are ready to cheer him through the next chapter.
Champ parade cheers and a mic drop moment cement Jaylin Williams’ place in OKC
Just days before news of his $24 million contract extension broke, Jaylin Williams gave Oklahoma City something else to celebrate. At the Thunder’s championship parade downtown, the 23-year-old stood tall, not just as a role player but as a voice for a team that silenced critics. He delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of the day. His speech ended with the line that lit up the crowd: “They said we were too young. They said Oklahoma shouldn’t have a team. But guess what? We’re the f—ing champs!”
While many expected veterans to headline the day, it was the third-year forward from Arkansas who stole the spotlight. Standing in front of a roaring crowd, Williams spoke like someone who felt every step of the journey. From his college grind to overcoming injuries this year, it all led to that exact moment. It wasn’t just about celebration. It felt like vindication. Fans didn’t just cheer. They erupted.
Jan 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and guard Aaron Wiggins (21) celebrate after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
What made this moment hit harder was how personal it felt. Jaylin wasn’t the star scorer or the face of the franchise. He was the guy who filled the gaps, got his hands dirty, and kept going even when the spotlight didn’t follow. That shout from the stage wasn’t just hype, it was heart. And if you were in that crowd, you knew it meant something deeper than the words themselves.
It also reminded everyone of how far Jaylin has come since his college days. At Arkansas, he spent two strong seasons and earned All-SEC honors as a sophomore. He wasn’t flashy then either. He just knew how to do the work. Now in OKC, he’s earned a reputation for the same. This moment at the parade was more than emotion; it was Jaylin arriving in full voice, at the center of a city that now calls him theirs.
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