Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Record $285M Supermax Extension After Historic MVP, Finals MVP Season with Thunder

By Edcel Panganiban July 02, 2025 05:43

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented his status as one of the NBA’s brightest stars by signing a record-breaking four-year, $285 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, locking him in through the 2030-31 season. This landmark deal, the richest annual salary in league history at an average of $71.25 million per year, comes on the heels of an extraordinary season in which Gilgeous-Alexander captured both the NBA Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP honors, leading the Thunder to their first-ever championship in Oklahoma City.

At just 26 years old, the Canadian guard’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of historic. During the 2024-25 campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a league-high 32.7 points per game on an efficient shooting split of .519/.375/.898, complemented by 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 block per contest. His dominance extended into the playoffs, where he averaged 30.3 points per game, orchestrating a thrilling seven-game NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers with a 103-91 win in Game 7.

This achievement places Gilgeous-Alexander in elite company. He became only the fourth player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP, Finals MVP, scoring title, and an NBA championship in the same season joining legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal. This rare feat underscores his impact on the game and the Thunder’s franchise trajectory.

The contract extension will begin with the 2027-28 season, following the final two years of his current deal, during which he is set to earn approximately $38 million and $40 million respectively. The new deal’s salary escalates from $62.5 million in its first year to $78.7 million by the 2030-31 season, reflecting expected increases in the NBA salary cap. This financial commitment signals the Thunder’s unwavering belief in Gilgeous-Alexander as their franchise cornerstone for years to come.

Thunder General Manager Sam Presti expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Shai is the heart and soul of our team. His leadership on and off the court has transformed this franchise, and this extension solidifies our commitment to building a championship contender around him.” Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting on the deal, said, “I’m grateful to the Thunder organization and our fans. This city has believed in me from day one, and I’m excited to continue this journey together.”

The extension also sets the stage for critical roster decisions. Oklahoma City boasts the youngest roster in the NBA, with rising stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren expected to sign their rookie max extensions soon. Balancing these lucrative contracts will be a challenge but also a testament to the Thunder’s emerging status as a powerhouse team.

In summary, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s supermax extension is a historic milestone that rewards an MVP season for the ages and a championship that has redefined the Oklahoma City Thunder’s legacy. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the Thunder are poised to remain a dominant force in the NBA well into the next decade.