Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has made headlines by signing a groundbreaking four-year, $285 million super max extension. This deal, which binds him to the Thunder until the 2030-31 season, results in an astonishingly high average salary of $71.25 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history.
During the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander excelled on the court, averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game, which was not only the highest in the league but also set a record for the most points scored in a title-winning season. Alongside his scoring prowess, he contributed an average of 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. This season marked a historic achievement, making him the first player to win both the NBA scoring title and a championship in the same season since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. He also became one of only four players, alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to earn the scoring title, NBA MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable journey began in 2019 when he was traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers. Initially overshadowed in the trade that also involved Paul George, he faced significant challenges in his early seasons, as the team struggled to secure wins. However, under the strategic leadership of General Manager Sam Presti, the Thunder developed into a formidable contender, culminating with a stunning 68-14 regular season record and being recognized as the youngest team to win an NBA title since the 1977 Trail Blazers.
This contract extension not only reflects Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible performance and potential but also signifies the Thunder’s commitment to building a championship-winning team around their young superstar, ensuring a bright future for the franchise. His achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, demonstrating the reward of perseverance and hard work.