Canada’s Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to massive 4-year extension with NBA champion Thunder: reports
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have made headlines with their record-setting contract extension. The 4-year, $285 million deal will make Gilgeous-Alexander the highest-paid player in NBA history in terms of single-season average salary. This news, reported by ESPN, comes on the heels of Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic season where he led the Thunder to their first NBA championship, claimed regular-season and NBA Finals MVP honors, and secured the scoring title.
The supermax extension was a highly anticipated move for the 26-year-old Canadian star. While he could have potentially signed a more lucrative deal next summer, the timing seemed right for both parties. Based on current salary cap projections, Gilgeous-Alexander is set to earn around $63 million in the first season of his new contract, with his earnings peaking at nearly $79 million in the final year.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to becoming a superstar was not without its challenges. Drafted 11th overall in 2018, he was traded to the Thunder after his rookie year and has been on a steady upward trajectory ever since. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has high praise for Gilgeous-Alexander, referring to him as a “basketball artist” for his ability to blend creativity and objective thinking on the court.
With their star player locked in long-term, the Thunder are poised to be contenders for years to come. Presti has strategically built a roster with key players under contract and a treasure trove of draft picks acquired through previous trades. Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the sentiment of continuous growth and improvement for the team, emphasizing that many players are still far from their prime.
The future looks bright for the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge as the highest-paid player in NBA history. As the league’s landscape continues to evolve, the Thunder are well-positioned to make a lasting impact with their talented roster and strategic vision.
