Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams went from unknown college player to one of the NBA’s best young talents in three short years… and he tells TMZ Sports his success allowed him to give his parents an incredible gift – retirement!!
The 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft made the most of his time as a pro… and his 2025 season was just as good with All-Star and All-Defensive team selections, an NBA championship, and a massive five-year, $287 million extension to top it all off.
We caught up with 24-year-old J-Dub at LAX this week to ask him what it’s been like… and he admitted he hasn’t been able to process any of it—including his fat payday.
“It’s surreal,” Williams said. “I know everyone uses that term, but it’s wild because it happened so fast, like within three years, my life is completely different.”
“But yeah, I mean, it’s cool. I was lucky enough to retire my parents.”
Williams’ parents, Ronald and Nicole, were both in the Air Force… with Pops serving as a jet engine mechanic and logistics specialist for 24 years and Mom working in the medical field.
On top of everything on his plate, Williams said he’s also been focusing on his brother Cody’s own professional career with the Utah Jazz… so eventually, he’ll step back and take it all in.
Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game in the 2024-25 season…and played a major role in the Thunder’s NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers.
So what’s Williams doing for himself? Well, he pointed out that the money hasn’t hit his bank account yet… but he does reveal how he’ll treat himself a little.
