Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and breakout star of the 2025 NBA Finals, is on the brink of securing a record-setting four-year, $293 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer. The Canadian guard is at the center of attention as the Thunder prepare to host Game 5 against Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers in a tied 2-2 series at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Since signing a five-year, $172 million rookie extension with OKC in 2021, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his role as the team’s cornerstone following the departures of former stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
SGA’s Playoff Performance Elevates Him to Elite Company
In Game 4 of the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, including 15 in the final 4:38, to lead Oklahoma City to a dramatic 111-104 comeback win and even the series. His clutch scoring and leadership have drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Allen Iverson as he stakes his claim in Thunder history.
At just 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is closing in on immortality for a franchise that previously relied on MVPs Durant and Westbrook. Although his career earnings of $117 million still pale in comparison to Durant’s $447 million amassed while making 15 All-Star appearances, SGA is positioning himself as the defining player of this new Oklahoma City era.
Nick Gallo Highlights SGA’s Consistent Growth and Unique Humility
Nick Gallo, the Thunder’s TV sideline reporter, has witnessed Gilgeous-Alexander’s steady evolution into an electrifying star. He explains that Gilgeous-Alexander’s improvement has been methodical rather than marked by sudden breakthroughs.
“There’s never these like watershed moments with a guy like Shai and, most likely, there’s not with many guys,”
Gallo told talkSPORT.
“What Shai has done is, he has gotten better through every experience. Every time he comes back from a summer, every time you turn the calendar month, he’s better at something than he was the month before. I think this year is a perfect example.”
This progress has been coupled with a humble demeanor shaped by his athletic family background. Listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 200 pounds, Gilgeous-Alexander combines perimeter skills with an ability to attack the paint, while maintaining a low-key presence off the court.
“He is one of the most humble, accessible, easygoing stars that you could ever possibly imagine,”
Gallo said.
“This is a guy who — the word I like to use with him is, he’s breezy. But he has such a level of focus and concentration on his craft, and he brings such a work ethic to the table that he’s really a lead-by-example guy.”
SGA’s Leadership Style and Team Chemistry Fueling Thunder’s Success
Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership is defined more by encouragement than command, fostering unity within a young and talented roster. Gallo notes how SGA maintains an open, comfortable environment for teammates to be themselves.
“He’s comfortable in his own skin. And I’ve heard many teammates talk about his comfort, and his comfort with other people being who they are really has allowed this thing to blossom.”
His approach stands in contrast to the egotistical superstar culture that dominated the NBA in previous years, marking a new chapter for OKC’s identity.
Following Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook remained with the Thunder but was eventually traded in a move to bring in championship contender James Harden. None of these trios fulfilled expectations of winning a world championship, but SGA is reshaping the team’s outlook.
Gallo draws attention to the varied personalities within the squad, highlighting Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on their competitive spirit.
“Jalen Williams and Shai, they have different personalities, Chet Holmgren, they have different personalities. What they share in common is an incredible competitiveness, an incredible drive and intrinsic motivation.”
“But they all are different and they feel empowered to be different. And a big factor in that is Shai, and the way that he operates and the way that he goes about his business.”
Proving Himself as a Clutch Performer Under Pressure
Coming through in crucial moments has become a trademark of Gilgeous-Alexander’s game, making him the go-to option in tight situations for the Thunder during these NBA Finals.
“In the tight games — in the games where it’s 98-98 with 30 seconds left — you need two points,”
Gallo said.
“Shai is a guy that can go get you two points.”
SGA’s Path to Potential NBA Contract History
The window opens on July 6 for Gilgeous-Alexander to sign the four-year supermax extension, which would be a franchise-record contract worth $293 million. This deal reflects both the Thunder’s commitment to him and his growing stature in the NBA.
The contract timing is crucial as the team rides the momentum of their Finals run, and SGA’s commitment to OKC signals a new era after years of building through superstar trades and player movements.
As Game 5 looms, the Thunder and their fans eagerly anticipate the outcome, with Gilgeous-Alexander poised not only to make NBA history through his contract but also to potentially bring Oklahoma City its first championship.