Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP who also led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship title, has just made significant financial history. According to reports, he has agreed to a four-year, $285 million supermax extension. This landmark deal keeps him with the Thunder through the 2030-31 season. While the extension is set to begin in the 2027-28 season, SGA`s new average annual salary of $71.25 million is the highest ever for a player in the history of the NBA.
In the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the league by averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game. He also posted averages of 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest. His dominant offensive season included leading the NBA in both field goals attempted (21.8 per game) and free throws made (7.9 per game). SGA became the first player since Hall of Famer Shaquille O`Neal in 2000 to win the NBA`s scoring title and an NBA title in the same season. He also joined an elite group, becoming only the fourth player ever – alongside O`Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – to secure the scoring title, NBA MVP, and Finals MVP in a single season.
SGA`s scoring average of 32.7 points per game set a new all-time record for the most points per game in a title-winning season. Furthermore, he joined Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to record a season averaging at least 32 points and six assists per game while also shooting 50% or better from the field. His extraordinary on-court performance is now complemented by his status as the highest-paid player in NBA history by average annual value.
Highest-Paid NBA Players by Average Annual Value
| Player | Average Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder | $71.3M |
| Joel Embiid, 76ers | $64.3M |
| Jayson Tatum, Celtics | $62.8M |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks | $58.5M |
| Anthony Davis, Mavericks | $58.5M |
It`s worth recalling that in 2019, SGA was traded to the Thunder from the Los Angeles Clippers in a move where he wasn`t initially seen as the main piece. At the time, it was widely known as the `Paul George trade,` with the Clippers sending Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and various pick swaps in exchange for George. While Gilgeous-Alexander eventually spearheaded a championship run for Oklahoma City, the path was challenging. The team endured two seasons where they did not exceed 25 wins. However, under the guidance of General Manager Sam Presti, a legitimate contender was constructed. The team achieved an impressive 68-14 record in the regular season and became the youngest team to win an NBA title since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers.
Considering his performance, it is undoubtedly accurate to state that Oklahoma City`s 26-year-old superstar delivered one of the finest seasons ever seen from an NBA guard. His new, record-breaking contract serves as a significant financial reward for this exceptional achievement.
Jasper Hawthorne