Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star player who recently won the NBA championship, has agreed to a four-year super maximum contract extension with the team, reported by ESPN. This deal, valued at $285 million, solidifies his future with the Thunder through the 2030-31 season, marking him as the highest-paid player in NBA history with an unprecedented annual salary.
Before the Thunder captured the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy by defeating the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, only two players in league history had previously won league MVP and Finals MVP trophies in the same season. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and five other NBA greats form the exclusive club Gilgeous-Alexander recently joined.
The 2025 NBA Finals victory is the Thunder’s first title in Oklahoma City. The franchise won the 1979 NBA title when it was known as the Seattle SuperSonics. The team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Thunder capitalized on the haul of draft picks the franchise accumulated in a trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles in exchange for Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams was one of the players Oklahoma City drafted due to the blockbuster transaction.
In addition to the NBA MVP and Finals MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander won the league’s scoring title to complete the triple crown. The Thunder’s recent success is not only a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual brilliance but also to the strategic moves made by the front office, including the acquisition of key players and draft picks that have bolstered the team’s roster.
This contract extension not only secures Gilgeous-Alexander’s future with the Thunder but also reinforces the team’s investment in its star player, signaling a long-term commitment to building a championship-winning team. The deal has significant financial implications for the Thunder’s payroll and could influence the dynamics of the NBA salary cap in the coming years.
The Thunder’s achievement in winning the NBA title in Oklahoma City highlights the team’s resilience and strategic approach. With this contract, Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy is further cemented, and the Thunder’s future looks promising as they aim to continue competing at the highest level.