The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially secured their franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP, has agreed to a historic four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension—the most lucrative deal in NBA history based on average annual value.
The extension begins in the 2027–28 season and runs through 2030–31, ensuring that Gilgeous-Alexander will remain in Oklahoma City well into the next decade.
An Unprecedented Contract
Gilgeous-Alexander’s deal averages an astounding $71.25 million per year, surpassing the previous record held by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. His annual salary will start at approximately $63 million and rise to nearly $79 million in the final year, reflecting the NBA’s rising salary cap and new broadcast rights revenue.
The Thunder guard qualified for the supermax extension by meeting key benchmarks—earning All-NBA honors in multiple seasons, winning league MVP, and leading the Thunder to their first NBA Championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.
A Season for the Ages
The 2024–25 season proved to be Gilgeous-Alexander’s defining year. The 26-year-old not only guided the Thunder to an NBA title but also delivered one of the most dominant individual seasons in league history. He became just the third player ever to win MVP, Finals MVP, and the scoring title in the same season, averaging a league-best 32.7 points per game.
His performance elevated Oklahoma City from a promising young squad to league champions, and solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite talents.
A Franchise Cornerstone
The extension reaffirms Oklahoma City’s commitment to building around Gilgeous-Alexander, who arrived in 2019 as part of the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers—a move now widely regarded as one of the most lopsided trades in modern NBA history.
General Manager Sam Presti called the deal a “monumental moment” for the organization. “Shai embodies everything we want this franchise to represent—excellence, integrity, leadership, and competitive fire. This extension ensures that our future remains bright.”
With Gilgeous-Alexander now under contract through 2031, the Thunder are positioned to contend for years to come. The team’s young core—including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a treasure trove of draft assets—makes Oklahoma City one of the most dynamic and dangerous teams in the NBA.
Setting a New Standard
Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract doesn’t just make history—it sets a new benchmark for superstar valuations in the NBA. It reflects both his on-court dominance and the rapidly expanding financial landscape of professional basketball, driven by a new collective bargaining agreement and media rights deals.
Across all North American sports, the contract ranks among the highest by annual average salary, further cementing Gilgeous-Alexander’s place in the upper echelon of global athletes.
Quick Facts
- Contract: 4 years, $285 million
- Begins: 2027–28 NBA season
- Average Annual Value: $71.25 million
- Accolades: 2025 NBA MVP, Finals MVP, Scoring Champion
- Franchise Impact: Under contract through 2031
In a league constantly chasing stars, the Thunder have locked in theirs. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, Oklahoma City is no longer just building for the future—their time is now.
