Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Record-Breaking Contract Extension with Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a prominent player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has reached an unprecedented four-year contract extension valued at $285 million. This agreement, which was confirmed to the Associated Press by a source who wished to remain anonymous, will grant him the highest salary per season in NBA history. The formal announcement of this deal is expected to be made after the league’s offseason signing moratorium concludes on Sunday. According to reports from ESPN, the timing of the contract’s announcement coincides with Canada Day, making it especially meaningful for the 26-year-old player from Ontario.

Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander achieved remarkable success, not only by leading the Thunder to their inaugural NBA championship but also by securing the best record in the league. He earned significant recognition by winning various prestigious awards, including the regular-season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and the scoring title. While the supermax extension was anticipated, there were discussions about the potential for even higher contract values in the future.

Projected estimates suggest that, in the first year of his new contract, Gilgeous-Alexander could earn around $63 million, with that figure potentially rising to approximately $79 million in the 2030-31 season. This would average out to around $1 million per regular season game, establishing him as the highest-paid player in a single season in league history.

Gilgeous-Alexander's journey to stardom did not start with high expectations; he was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Thunder after completing his rookie year. Since then, his progress has been consistently upward, a fact celebrated by Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Presti emphasized that Gilgeous-Alexander's continuous improvement is due to his healthy mindset and consistent development, noting that his growth is reliable and not based on fleeting trends.

Presti described the player as a "basketball artist," highlighting his unique combination of creativity and analytical thinking. He believes that successful individuals, regardless of their field, are capable of leveraging both sides of their brain effectively, which Gilgeous-Alexander embodies.

Looking ahead, the Thunder appear poised to be competitive in the coming years. With Gilgeous-Alexander secured under a long-term contract and all key players retained for at least another season, along with numerous draft picks available from previous trades, the team's future is bright. Gilgeous-Alexander expressed optimism about the team's potential for growth, stating that many players on the roster have room for improvement, indicating an exciting journey ahead for the Thunder.