Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Thunder star Jalen Williams to miss more time than originally thought

Originally posted on Hoops Rumors | By Rory Maher | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 5:23 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder star wing Jalen Williams underwent a second procedure on his right wrist to remove a screw that was causing irritation during the final stages of his return-to-play process, the team announced on Friday.

Jalen Williams could miss an additional two weeks

According to the team, Williams will be reevaluated in 10 to 14 days.

Williams earned his first All-Star, All-NBA (third team) and All-Defensive (second team) nods during the 2024-25 season, which culminated in Oklahoma City winning its first championship following a nail-biting seven-game NBA Finals against Indiana.

He suffered a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist in early April, but played through the injury during the playoffs.

The OKC Thunder announced today that Jalen Williams underwent a follow-up procedure on his right wrist to remove a screw that was creating irritation during the final stages of his return to play process.

Williams will be re-evaluated in 10-14 days.
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) October 31, 2025

Williams, 24, underwent the initial surgery to address the injury on July 1.

While it’s obviously unfortunate that Williams’ season debut will be delayed further following the screw removal procedure, the Thunder are still playing extremely well as a team, having gone 6-0 to open the 2025-26 campaign.

Multiple guards and wings — including Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell — have been receiving more minutes with Williams out.

Williams is in the final season of his rookie scale contract, which will pay the former 12th overall pick $6,580,997 in 2025-26. He signed five-year, rookie-scale max extension with the Thunder this offseason, so the earliest he could hit free agency would be 2030.

This article first appeared on Hoops Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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