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“Dumbest Contract Signed in History” – NBA Analyst Rips Into Thunder for Chet Holmgren $239 Million Deal

Not everyone agrees with the Chet Holmgren contract decision, especially an NBA analyst who didn’t hold back.

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Chet Holmgren became the latest Thunder superstars to commit to an extension at the franchise. After the historic NBA Title win last month, the OKC Thunder front office has been quite active on renewing deals for their core players.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jalen Williams signed historic contracts with the Thunder. Chet Holmgren joined the party signing a max rookie contract worth $239.9 million. His current rookie contract which was signed in 2022 will come to an end in 2026.

The Center has committed to stay in Oklahoma City till the 2030-31 season. The whopping multi million dollar deal remains an important mark for the front office given the importance of the 23-year-old to the roster. He was one of the corner stone stars for the Thunder this season.

Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder star and NBA champion Chet Holmgren has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $250 million, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PsdxZq275C
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 9, 2025

Chet Holmgren suffered a setback in the early stages of the season due to a injury. However, he made a comeback right in time for his side and produced fine defensive performances in the post season. The 23-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.

Analysts Slam Thunder’s Bold Long-term Call

Many believe that the Thunder did right by extending their core just when their value started skyrocketing. However, few also have a negative opinion behind the Holmgren deal. NBA Analyst Craig Carton questioned Thunder’s strategy behind such a mammoth deal.

Craig Carton said, “The Chet Holmgren deal will go down arguably as the dumbest contract ever signed in the history of the NBA. Chet Holmgren at no point in the history of the NBA is a $50 million-a-year player. That is a joke.

He added, “I don’t begrudge him getting it. Good for him. You know he robbed them, he robbed them blind. Chet Holmgren is not, has not, and will not ever be a $50 million-a-year player. Chet Holmgren brings zero to the table.”

Craig has the right to make a point on the deal but Chet Holmgren has brought enough to the table due to which the defense of the Thunder has significantly improved. However, only time will tell how worthy or not the new deal becomes for the Thunder.