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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has reached an astonishing agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a four-year, $285 million contract extension, which sets a record for the highest average salary per season in NBA history, according to various sources.
Since joining the Thunder in 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander has now secured two contract extensions, reinforcing a strong bond of trust and collaboration between him and the team. He has also entered an elite circle of athletes who have achieved both the MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same season. https://t.co/YdpQEVxgvV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)July 1, 2025
The announcement of this lucrative deal coincides with Canada Day, a significant occasion for the 26-year-old native of Ontario, who has just completed a phenomenal season that stands out in NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander not only led the Thunder to their inaugural NBA championship and secured the league’s top record, but he also dominated individual accolades, claiming both the regular-season and NBA Finals MVP awards along with the scoring title.
The supermax contract extension was anticipated, with the primary question being its timing; he could have opted for an even larger total value deal in the next summer.
According to the NBA’s latest salary cap estimates—although the precise figures will be confirmed in June 2027—Gilgeous-Alexander could earn around $63 million in his first year and nearly $79 million during the 2030-31 season. This would translate to an average of approximately $1 million for each regular-season game, marking the highest single-season salary ever recorded in the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander did not enter the league with the label of a superstar. Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, he was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Thunder following his rookie season. Since then, he has experienced consistent growth, and Thunder general manager Sam Presti expresses confidence that this upward trend will persist.
“He’s improved every year,” Presti remarked. “His mentality has fueled his development and I don’t see his progress being erratic. It’s not based on elements that can’t be replicated or built upon.”
Presti described Gilgeous-Alexander as a “basketball artist,” highlighting his unique emotional intelligence in knowing when to utilize his diverse skill set.
“I believe he integrates both left-brain and right-brain thinking,” Presti explained. “In my view, those who are truly successful in any field—be it life, business, sports, or beyond—must be able to tap into both their creative side and an analytical side.”
The Thunder are poised to remain competitive for an extended period. With their star player secured for the long haul, all key athletes signed through at least the following season, and Presti’s cache of draft picks from prior trades, the future looks bright.
“We certainly have the potential for further growth,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated after the Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers. “That’s the exciting part. Many of us still have room for improvement, and not many in our lineup are at their peak or even approaching it.”
This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.
