Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, sidelined by offseason wrist surgery, has missed the team's first 18 games of the season. This absence makes him ineligible for All-NBA honors due to the NBA's 65-game minimum, costing him potential escalators in his five-year, $240 million extension. The situation highlights flaws in the league's Derrick Rose Rule.
The Oklahoma City Thunder reached their 18th game of the season on Sunday without star forward Jalen Williams, who is recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Williams has missed all 18 games, a delay longer than anticipated, though he is expected to make a full recovery. However, this injury has significant financial implications, potentially costing him up to $47 million in contract escalators.
Williams signed a five-year extension last offseason after his third NBA season, guaranteeing a projected $240 million at 25% of the salary cap. As a former first-round pick, he was eligible for performance-based increases under the Derrick Rose Rule, which allows up to 30% of the cap for players earning All-NBA honors, Defensive Player of the Year, or MVP in the season before the contract starts or in two of the prior three seasons.
His deal included team-friendly escalators: 26% for third-team All-NBA, 27% for second-team, and 30% for first-team or major awards, pushing the value to $287 million. But with 18 games missed in an 82-game season, Williams can play at most 64 games. The NBA's 65-game minimum for major individual honors, instituted a few years ago, now bars him from All-NBA eligibility this season, assuming he skips Wednesday's game.
Williams earned third-team All-NBA last season, proving his caliber, but the rule's timing—requiring performance in the season before the extension begins—penalizes him for achieving it early. The article argues the rule is flawed for young players expected to improve, citing examples like Evan Mobley, who triggered his escalator in his fourth season, and Jayson Tatum, who missed his bump after a down fourth season despite later dominance.
For the Thunder, this benefits their core of Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose upcoming max deals could strain the roster under GM Sam Presti. Changes to the rule may come when the CBA is revisited after the 2028-29 season.