Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic NBA Extension with Thunder: A Game-Changer

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have reached a groundbreaking agreement on a four-year, $285-million extension, setting a new benchmark for the highest single-season average salary in NBA history. This information was disclosed by a source familiar with the matter, who spoke to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity due to the deal’s pending public announcement, expected after the NBA’s moratorium on offseason signings is lifted this Sunday. The news was initially reported by ESPN.

The announcement coincides with Canada Day, a fitting tribute to the 26-year-old Ontario native who recently led the Thunder to their inaugural NBA championship, clinching the league’s best record. Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance earned him the regular-season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and the scoring title, making his season one of the most remarkable in NBA history.

Details of the Record-Breaking Deal

The supermax extension was anticipated, with timing being the only variable. Gilgeous-Alexander could have opted for a deal with a higher total value next summer. Based on the NBA’s latest salary cap projections, his earnings are estimated to start at $63 million in the first season, escalating to nearly $79 million by the 2030-31 season. This translates to an average payout of approximately $1 million per regular-season game, marking the highest single-season salary in the league’s history.

“He’s gotten better every single year,” said Sam Presti, Thunder general manager. “His mindset has allowed him to take these steps and also not – I don’t feel like his progress is, like, volatile.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Rise to Stardom

Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to NBA stardom was not predestined. Drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Los Angeles Clippers, he was traded to the Thunder after his rookie season. Since then, his trajectory has been on a consistent upward climb, with Thunder GM Sam Presti confident in his continued development.

Presti has often referred to Gilgeous-Alexander as a “basketball artist,” highlighting his ability to leverage both his creative and analytical skills on the court. “I just think he’s got left and right brain working,” Presti explained. “The great people in life, business, sports, any industry, have to be able to access both sides, a creative side and then also a very objective side.”

Implications for the Thunder’s Future

The extension cements Gilgeous-Alexander’s role as the cornerstone of the Thunder’s future aspirations. With their star player secured long-term and key players under contract through at least the next season, the Thunder are poised to remain strong contenders in the NBA. The team also holds a wealth of draft picks from previous trades, providing further opportunities for growth and reinforcement.

“We definitely still have room to grow,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked following the Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. “That’s the fun part of this. So many of us can still get better. There’s not very many of us on the team that are ‘in our prime’ or even close to it.”

Looking Ahead

The Thunder’s strategic positioning and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership set a promising stage for the team’s future. As they continue to build around their star player, the franchise is expected to leverage its assets and youthful roster to maintain its competitive edge in the league. The extension not only signifies a commitment to Gilgeous-Alexander but also underscores the Thunder’s ambition to sustain their championship-winning momentum.

As the NBA landscape evolves, the Thunder’s investment in Gilgeous-Alexander could serve as a pivotal moment, potentially influencing future contract negotiations and team-building strategies across the league.

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