Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secures record-breaking $285 million contract extension
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million contract extension with the Thunder.
- This extension positions him as the highest-paid player in NBA history based on average annual salary.
- The deal reinforces the Thunder's commitment to their star player as they aim for future championships.
In Canada, on July 1, 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, agreed to a substantial four-year contract extension valued at $285 million. This deal recognizes his exceptional performance during the previous season, which culminated in winning the NBA Championship for the Thunder and eclipsing numerous individual accolades, including the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Finals MVP Awards. Gilgeous-Alexander's historic contract is set to position him as the highest-paid player in the league based on annual salary. The Thunder will benefit from this extension as it solidifies their roster around a premier player while ensuring their competitive future. His previous rookie scale extension will see him earn approximately $38.3 million and $40.8 million over the next two seasons before this new agreement takes effect for the 2027-28 season that could see him earning nearly $80 million annually. The decision to sign this extension now rather than waiting for a potentially more lucrative five-year deal next summer likely reflects both the team’s current success and his intentions to remain a cornerstone of the franchise as they continue to build for sustained contention in the NBA.