NBA deal grade: Kenrich Williams' 1-year contract with OKC Thunder

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The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to do their offseason homework early. They filled out their final roster spot by welcoming back a familiar face. After declining his $7.2 million 2026-27 team option, Kenrich Williams was brought back on a one-year, $5 million deal.

Don't think this was too huge of a shocker for anybody who follows the Thunder. Trying to shed salary this summer, it made little sense to bring back your 13th man on such a hefty salary. Especially considering the tax penalties that came with it.

Now, the Thunder and Williams extend their marriage for a seventh season. He's one of the longest-tenured players in OKC. Let's examine what Williams' one-year deal means to the Thunder:

Williams' background​

Developmental success stories can define this golden era of Thunder basketball. Looking through their roster, it's filled with guys either taken in the second round or undrafted. All have played above their pay grade. Heck, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was your standard No. 11 pick of the NBA draft. Add Williams' story to the pile of home-run additions.

After two forgettable years on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Thunder added Williams as a throw-in name in their 2020 Steven Adams trade. When he was acquired, not much was thought of him. Most didn't even think he'd make the standard roster. Remember Frank Jackson? Flash forward seven years later, and the 31-year-old has turned into a fan favorite.

Even though Williams' playing time has dwindled, that speaks more about the rich depth the Thunder have stacked up over the years. He's had a first-row view of OKC's ascent from a rebuild to an NBA champion. Don't get me wrong, he can still hoop when called upon. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds last season. He shot 38.8% from 3 on 2.3 attempts.

Williams' fit​

Business as usual for Williams. We have six seasons' worth of data to know how he'll fit on the Thunder. Don't expect him to suddenly catapult to the front of the rotation, but he can help out throughout the regular season. Especially now when he's the only traditional backup forward they have on their roster. He can defend well and shoot the ball from the outside. That's all you really ask from him.

The Thunder like to slow-play Williams' regular season. They'd rather save his legs for spring. But he's shown he can seamlessly scale up as a scorer if needed. The regular season is a marathon. You need contributions from all 18 of your guys to survive the endurance test. And if the 31-year-old is your 13th man, then you've built up an incredible depth chart. There's a reason why he had suitors this offseason.

Now, the NBA playoffs are a different story. One of the biggest complaints over the years has been about Williams. He's seldom been part of OKC's postseason rotation. That's despite always playing positive minutes in his short stints. It'll be interesting to see if that remains the case again this upcoming year. Especially with the amount of change that's happened around the complementary pieces.

Williams' long-term future​

After the Thunder were booted out of the NBA playoffs, Williams reiterated that he wants to retire in OKC. He's enjoyed his best years in their uniform. After getting a chance to test the open market, he backed up his word by re-upping with them. The 31-year-old will likely need to take one-year deals from here on out if he hopes to fulfill his wish.

We'll see what happens next summer, but for now, Williams stays put in OKC. He's been one of their best success stories and has been a locker room favorite. Can't ask for much else from the end of your bench. And even in his limited playing time, he's shown he can still help out a contender when needed.

No reason why things can't continue on a year-to-year basis. Williams has been a fixture in OKC. He's helped out in any way possible and has never complained about his inconsistent playing time. Wild to think he's about to play his seventh season there. The Thunder have certainly gotten a bang for their buck when they initially acquired him as part of a trade package.

Final thoughts​

Again, don't think anybody was too surprised that the Thunder brought back Williams. Feels like that's been the plan telegraphed this whole summer. He had a couple of days to see what other contenders were willing to offer. And after some thought, he decided to stay in OKC. The do-it-all forward gives them some comfort in a position they're suddenly bare at.

I do find it interesting that the Thunder signed Williams to an additional $1.5 million than the veteran's minimum, though. Does that trivial gesture kinda show OKC's hand for the rest of its offseason playbook? They've clearly been cognizant of shedding salary to hopefully get under the second apron. So it's a little odd they gave the 31-year-old an extra sum of money than most expected he'd get.

I have two working theories. One is the Thunder aren't done. Even though their 15-player roster is set, it feels like another move is set up sometime this offseason. Of course, the obvious one being a Lu Dort trade. Not only does that get you under the second apron, but it also opens up a glut of minutes and possessions to the rest of your roster that is ready to make a jump — ala Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell.

The second theory is that Williams had a pretty strong market and that other teams were willing to give him more than the minimum. And after learning that, he gave the Thunder a chance to match it. Which they did. I think either theory really makes a ton of sense. Either way, good to see the 31-year-old back. Another member from their NBA champion roster stays put.

Final Grade: A-minus

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA deal grade: Kenrich Williams' 1-year contract with OKC Thunder

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