Thunder Give Nick Collison Multi-Year Contract Extension

The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed forward Nick Collison to a multi-year contract extension, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Per team policy, the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are excited that Nick Collison will continue his tenure with the Thunder. Since our arrival in 2008, Nick has helped us establish the standards on and off the floor that we work by on a day-to-day basis,” said Presti. “He has accepted various roles, demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his craft, and shown a commitment to an organizational philosophy that is rare in sports today. Nick is the type of player that will always be valued in Oklahoma City, and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward.”

Collison, the longest tenured member of the Thunder organization holds career averages of 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in 791 career NBA games. Collison ranks among the franchise's all-time career leaders in rebounds (3rd, 4,370 career rebounds), blocks (6th, 439 career blocks), field goal percentage (2nd, .537) and games played (2nd, 791 career games). The 6-10 University of Kansas product is currently averaging 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.9 minutes per game this season.

“I'm excited to continue my career with the Thunder, playing here in Oklahoma City. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization and to play with a great group of teammates,” said Collison. “Playing in Oklahoma City is unique, it's a rare combination of a lot of things; great people in the organization starting with ownership, the most loyal fans, the opportunity to win at a high level and a true community impact. It's been a great professional experience for me since the day I arrived. I'm proud of what we have built together and am grateful to be able to stay with the club and continue our work together.”

Drafted 12th overall in 2003 by the Oklahoma City franchise, Collison was an Associated Press First Team All-America selection and Big 12 Player of the Year as a senior at Kansas. He was also named to the 2003 NCAA All-Final Four Team after leading Kansas to the Championship Game. The Iowa Falls, IA native left KU as the second leading scorer (2,097 points) and third leading rebounder (1,143 rebounds) in school history.