November 28th - ClutchPoints reported on Instagram: The most terrifying statement in the NBA has just emerged: Jalen Williams is back.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off winning the 2025 NBA championship, have completely ignored the typical "post-championship syndrome," starting the new season with a terrifying 18-1 record. But the story behind it is even more outrageous.
Jalen Williams' extended absence was actually a winning ticket for the team.
By missing those 19 games, he missed out on All-NBA selection and approximately $48 million in contract bonuses.
But for the team, all that money was immediately saved.
This $48 million saving is exactly the buffer that General Manager Sam Presti might need to avoid the punitive second-tier spending threshold.
Even more ironically, don't forget they also hold unrealized assets.
While the Thunder are busy reintegrating an All-Star into their 18-1 roster, they also hold the unprotected 2026 Clippers first-round draft pick.
This looks like a high lottery pick, giving this top team a 26.3% chance of getting a top-four pick next summer?...
They also have a Jazz pick (protected 1-8) and a 76ers pick (protected 1-4).
To summarize Oklahoma City's "achievements":
⚡ Dominating the league without a star wing (18-1)
⚡ Saving $48 million because of Jerry West's absence
⚡ He's now back, refreshed and rested
⚡ They could draft another superstar in June; the Thunder are making the most of the system.
