Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Historic $285M Deal with Thunder After Championship Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Records with $285M Thunder Contract Extension
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their future with a massive win — off the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP, has signed a record-breaking four-year, $285 million USD supermax extension with the franchise, locking him in through the 2030–31 season.The deal makes history as the highest single-season average salary in NBA history, averaging over $71 million per year once it begins in the 2027–28 season.
A Championship Season Worth Every Penny
This milestone contract follows an extraordinary 2024–25 season for the 26-year-old Canadian star. Gilgeous-Alexander not only led the Thunder to their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, but also captured the league's scoring title and swept individual honors — MVP of both the regular season and the Finals.Joining the ranks of legends like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal, he became just the fourth player in NBA history to achieve this elite trio of accolades in a single season.
What This Means for the Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander’s extension doesn’t officially begin until 2027, but OKC has wasted no time in building a dynasty around their superstar. With a young core, solid veteran leadership, and a stockpile of future draft picks, the Thunder are poised to be contenders for years to come.Keeping their franchise player happy — and committed — sends a strong message to the league. The Thunder are not just rising; they’re here to stay.
A New Standard for NBA Contracts
This new deal doesn’t just make headlines for its value; it sets a new precedent in professional basketball. Earning over $71 million per season, Gilgeous-Alexander will top the list of highest-paid athletes in any sport, reinforcing his superstar status both on and off the court.His loyalty to the Thunder, who helped shape his rise from promising rookie to NBA juggernaut, further highlights the deep mutual trust between player and organization.
As the ink dries on this groundbreaking extension, Thunder fans have every reason to believe the best is yet to come.
