MVP, Finals MVP, and the championship. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this was the perfect season. The Canadian superstar was only the fourth player in league history to achieve all of the above while leading the league in scoring. His arrival and evolution have changed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s fortune for the foreseeable future. And it’s only right that he is playing for the team once again.
According to Shams Charania, SGA has wasted no time extending his future with the Thunder organization. “NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million super maximum contract extension with the championship Oklahoma City Thunder through 2030-31, sources tell ESPN. This is now the richest annual salary for a player in league history,” the insider announced.
His average salary comes up to $71 million. No player before this had ever touched that figure. But in SGA’s case, it’s all been earned by the effect he has had on the Thunder. This is his second extension with the franchise since 2019. This one certainly ensures he will spend the rest of his prime years with OKC, and the franchise feels they can maximise their window with him leading the way.
However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did have the opportunity to wait and get more money. The Thunder guard could have chosen to sign an extension in the 2016 offseason. Then he would be eligible to sign a whopping five-year $380 million contract. It would still be the most lucrative deal. However, taking that little less allows the Thunder’s front office some flexibility to keep the team’s core together for the coming seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed two contract extensions now as a member of the Thunder, cementing both sides’ partnership and trust since he arrived to OKC in 2019. He joined an exclusive club of players to win the MVP and Finals MVP in the same season. https://t.co/YdpQEVxgvV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Considering the camaraderie they share, Gilgeous-Alexander’s move to sacrifice could inspire his teammates. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will negotiate their extensions in the coming years. This act could motivate them to take a lesser sum in order to help the team retain some of the championship pieces and also continue to build on the foundation of having won this season.
But the environment isn’t the same anymore. Last season, the Thunder were hunting for success. But now, they are the ones who will be hunted by every other team in the NBA.
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