Jalen Williams will need to make All-NBA again this season to trigger escalator clauses in his Oklahoma City Thunder contract extension that could reach $287 million over five years.
Williams and the Thunder negotiated an extension that includes tiered escalator bonuses. Third-team All-NBA selection would increase Williams’ salary from 25 percent to 26 percent of the salary cap maximum. Second-team All-NBA recognition triggers a larger bump from 25 percent to 27 percent of the maximum salary. First-team All-NBA selection and major individual awards like MVP or Defensive Player of the Year unlock the full 30 percent maximum salary escalator.
“Third team All-NBA, you bump up from 25 to 26 percent. Second team All-NBA, you bump up from 25 to 27 percent. All other things—first team All-NBA and the major individual awards—the full 30 percent max,” said Lowe on his podcast.
Lowe also argued that Williams should already have qualified for the third team All-NBA clause in his extension by virtue of making this past season. The way the Rose rule provision is setup, it requires a player to make it in his fourth season.
“I think it’s B.S. right off the bat that Jalen Williams even has to re-earn the 30 percent bump. He just made All-NBA in his third year. He should automatically get whatever bump is necessary for him. This is a fair negotiation,” Lowe said.
Last season, Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 48.4% shooting from the field. Williams is represented by Bill Duffy, who also is the agent of teammate Chet Holmgren.