Gilgeous-Alexander

5.3

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a historic four-year, $285 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him one of the highest-paid players in NBA history. The deal reflects his outstanding performance and raises implications for the team's future decisions.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has agreed to a monumental four-year contract extension worth $285 million, making it the richest in NBA history. This extension is part of the Supermax contract framework, which rewards players who meet certain criteria, including All-Star selections and All-NBA team honors. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance has been remarkable, as he averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game last season, leading the Thunder to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The deal solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander's position as one of the highest-paid players in the league, surpassing previous records held by stars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The financial implications of this contract are significant for the Thunder, who will need to navigate their salary cap carefully in the coming years to maintain a competitive roster.

Gilgeous-Alexander's extension is not only a personal achievement but also reflects the Thunder's commitment to building a strong team around him. The franchise has been in a rebuilding phase, but with young talents like Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, they are poised for future success. The contract is seen as a reward for Gilgeous-Alexander's development and leadership on the court, as he has become a cornerstone of the franchise.

This historic deal has garnered widespread attention, as it signifies a shift in the financial landscape of the NBA, where player salaries continue to escalate. Analysts suggest that this could lead to tough decisions for the Thunder in terms of roster construction and future contracts, especially as they aim to balance star power with depth.

Overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's extension is a landmark moment for both him and the Oklahoma City Thunder, setting a new standard in the league.

Q&A (Auto-generated by AI)

What is a supermax contract in the NBA?

A supermax contract is a special type of contract in the NBA that allows teams to offer their star players significantly higher salaries if they meet certain criteria, such as being named to an All-NBA team or winning MVP awards. This contract type is designed to help teams retain their top talent and maintain competitive rosters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's recent four-year, $285 million extension qualifies as a supermax deal, as he was the league MVP and led his team to a championship.

How does SGA's contract compare to past deals?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's contract is the largest in NBA history, surpassing previous record deals. His average annual salary of $71.25 million eclipses the highest salaries of players like Stephen Curry, who earned $55.8 million last season. This contract reflects the increasing financial landscape of the NBA, where star players can command massive salaries due to lucrative television deals and growing league revenues.

What impact does this have on the Thunder's roster?

SGA's record contract significantly impacts the Oklahoma City Thunder's roster decisions. With a large portion of the salary cap allocated to him, the team must navigate potential constraints on signing other players. As the youngest roster in the NBA, the Thunder will need to balance SGA's salary with the development of emerging talent and any future acquisitions to remain competitive in the league.

Who are the highest-paid players in NBA history?

The highest-paid players in NBA history include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently signed a four-year, $285 million extension. Other notable players include Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, who have all secured lucrative contracts. These deals often reflect players' performance, marketability, and the financial health of their respective teams, with contracts increasing significantly in recent years due to rising league revenues.

What led to SGA's rise as a top player?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise to stardom can be attributed to his exceptional performance since being drafted 11th overall in 2018. His development as a scorer, playmaker, and leader culminated in winning the NBA MVP award and leading the Thunder to a championship. His impressive stats, including being the league's scoring champion in the 2024-25 season, have solidified his status as one of the premier players in the league.

How does this affect the salary cap for teams?

SGA's record contract will have implications for the salary cap in the NBA. Teams must adhere to a salary cap, which limits the total amount they can spend on player salaries. With SGA's significant salary, the Thunder will need to carefully manage their finances to avoid exceeding the cap. This may influence their ability to sign or retain other players, as they must ensure a balanced roster while complying with league regulations.

What are the implications for player negotiations?

SGA's contract extension sets a new benchmark for player negotiations in the NBA. It demonstrates the financial potential for top-performing players, influencing how agents negotiate contracts for their clients. As salaries escalate, teams may face pressure to offer competitive deals to retain star talent, leading to increased financial scrutiny and strategic planning in roster management and salary cap allocation.

How do contract extensions work in the NBA?

Contract extensions in the NBA allow teams to negotiate new terms with players before their current contracts expire. These extensions can provide financial security for players and help teams retain key talent. Players typically become eligible for extensions after completing a certain number of years in the league. Extensions can vary in length and value, depending on a player's performance, market conditions, and the team's financial situation.

What is the significance of SGA's MVP award?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP award is significant as it highlights his elite performance and contributions to the Thunder's success. Winning the MVP not only enhances his reputation but also justifies his record contract. This accolade reflects his ability to lead the team, excel in high-pressure situations, and perform consistently at a high level, further solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone.

How does this deal affect the Thunder's future?

SGA's contract extension will shape the Thunder's future by defining their financial landscape and roster strategy. As they invest heavily in a single player, the team will need to develop young talent and make smart acquisitions to complement SGA. This deal positions the Thunder as a potential contender, but it also requires strategic planning to ensure they remain competitive while managing salary cap constraints.

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Thread Age 4 days

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Recent Coverage

Where does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's megadeal rank in history?

Los Angeles Times - 4 days ago - NBA Finals and regular-season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285-million contract extension. How does it compare with NFL and MLB megadeals?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to massive extension — $71 million per year — with Oklahoma City Thunder

Chicago Tribune - 4 days ago - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed on a record-setting four-year, $285 million extension that would give him the highest average annual salary in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander agrees record $285 mln extension: reports

SF Weekly - 4 days ago - Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed a four-year $285 million contract extension, the richest per-year contract in NBA history, US media reports said Tuesday.

Sources: SGA, OKC reach $285M supermax deal

ESPN - 4 days ago - NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million supermax extension with the Thunder through the 2030-31 season, sources told ESPN.

What SGA's contract extension means for upcoming Thunder roster decisions

USA Today - 4 days ago - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's contract extension sets up a complicated calculus the Thunder, the youngest roster in the NBA, must navigate.

Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to US$285-million, four-year extension with Thunder

The Globe and Mail - 4 days ago - The new extension would give Gilgeous-Alexander the highest single-season average salary in NBA history, following his upward trajectory since being the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft and traded to Thunder after his rookie year

Canada's Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to record 4-year, $285M US extension with Thunder: reports

CBC - 4 days ago - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed on a record-setting 4-year, $285 million US extension that would give him the highest single-season average salary in NBA history, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Tuesday.

After SGA's contract extension, here are highest-paid NBA players

USA Today - 4 days ago - After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inked the biggest deal in NBA history, here is a look at the biggest contracts in the NBA and North American sports.

Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to $285M four-year extension with NBA champion Thunder

National Post - 4 days ago - News of the deal comes on Canada Day, a fitting coincidence for the 26-year-old from Ontario.

$1m per game? Thunder sign Gilgeous-Alexander to record $285m extension

The Guardian - 4 days ago - Fresh off leading Oklahoma City to a championship, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a record-setting extension that sets a new NBA salary benchmark

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets record-breaking $285 million contract from Thunder after NBA title

New York Post - 4 days ago - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has secured a historic payday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's historic contract could lead to tough Thunder decisions

Yardbarker - 4 days ago - Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned his incredible 2024-25 season into a historic NBA contract on Tuesday. Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the reigning league MVP and 2025 NBA champion agreed to a four-year, $285 million extension, worth a record $71.25 million annually. Gilgeous-Alexander's contract was initially set to expire following the 2026-27 season, but the extension will keep him in Oklahoma City through 2030-31. As much as he deserved the historic pay bump, it could lead to some difficult decisions in the next two seasons. Small forward Jalen Williams and center-forward Chet Holmgren are extension-eligible this offseason and set to become restricted free agents in 2026. Re-signing both could push the Thunder into the second apron down the line, which would limit their ability to improve the roster as the rest of the NBA plays catch-up. Oklahoma City has a bevy of future draft picks, which could become valuable as it manages Gilgeous-Alexander's escalating contract.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Richest Annual Contract in NBA History

Complex - 4 days ago - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension with the Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder agree to record $285M contract extension, per report

USA Today - 4 days ago - The Thunder and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have agreed to a four-year, $285 million deal, The $71.25 million average is the highest in NBA history.

Reports: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to 4-year, $285 million extension with Thunder

NBA - 4 days ago -

Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Agree to Record-Smashing Supermax Contract Extension

Sports Illustrated - 4 days ago - SGA won the regular season and NBA Finals MVP awards and was the league's scoring champion in 2024–25.

Report: Thunder sign SGA to record 4-year, $285M extension

One America News Network - 4 days ago - The deal runs through the 2030-31 season and at $71.35 million marks the highest annual salary in NBA history.

Oilers, Bouchard, 25, agree on 4-year extension

ESPN - 4 days ago - The Edmonton Oilers on Monday signed veteran defenseman Evan Bouchard, 25, to a four-year contract extension, avoiding free agency with one of their most valued blueliners who helped the club to back-to-back Western Conference titles the past two seasons.

The '30+ point duos in an NBA Finals game' quiz

Yardbarker - 5 days ago - Jalen Williams was a key cog in the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the 2025 NBA Finals, his postseason contributions apparently came with a torn wrist ligament suffered in early April. Williams – who averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists-per-game in his first ever All-Star campaign – is now set to have surgery to repair the ligament this offseason. Which brings us to today’s quiz. OKC got a combined 71 points from Willaims and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, becoming the 23rd set of teammates to score 30 or more points in the same NBA Finals game since the NBA/ABA merger. How many of those players can you name in five minutes? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!