In 2022, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a five-year, $179.3 million extension with the OKC Thunder, committing the team to a young star who had led Oklahoma through challenging seasons. This decisive move marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation for the Thunder, paving the way for their ascent to championship contention.
At the time of the contract, Oklahoma City was struggling, having recorded a 22-50 record in the 2020-21 season and finishing 24-58 the following year. The team’s outlook shifted significantly after Gilgeous-Alexander made his commitment clear.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Commitment and Impact on Team Performance
Following the announcement of his contract extension, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed doubts about the team’s direction. In an interview with Andrew Schlect of The Athletic, he stated,
“We lost more than we liked to in the past couple of years, and it’s not fun. With that being said, though, I know what I signed up for, and I signed a five-year extension. I don’t think we’re losing for much longer. It’s not like I signed up to lose or anything. I believe in this team.”
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Point Guard
The 2022-23 season saw the Thunder advance to a 40-42 record, securing the 10th seed in the Western Conference and earning a spot in the play-in tournament. Oklahoma City defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118, but then lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-95, ending their postseason run early.
In the following season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance soared, earning him a second All-Star selection and second place in MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic. The Thunder improved dramatically, finishing with a 57-25 record and clinching the top seed in the West. Despite their youth, Oklahoma City pushed Dallas Mavericks and star Luka Doncic to a six-game series in the playoffs.
The 2024-25 season marked the Thunder’s dominance, concluding with a franchise-best 68-14 record. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring and secured both the regular-season MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors, cementing his status as the team’s cornerstone.
Building a Championship Contender Around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After securing Gilgeous-Alexander’s commitment, the Thunder focused on assembling a strong supporting cast. During the 2022 NBA draft, General Manager Sam Presti selected Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga with the No. 2 pick. Holmgren’s return from a hip injury proved vital for the team’s success, especially in carrying the Thunder during their 2025 championship run.
Later in that same draft, Oklahoma City added Jalen Williams from Santa Clara, who quickly earned an All-Star nod and became the complementary partner to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Following the Thunder’s 2024 playoff loss to the Mavericks, management continued fine-tuning the roster. They traded former cornerstone Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for defensive specialist Alex Caruso, known for his lockdown perimeter defense. Additionally, Sam Presti successfully signed Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks with a strategic offer, further strengthening the team’s frontcourt.
The Thunder also retained Lu Dort, widely regarded as the team’s premier perimeter defender, completing the core group. Within three years of Gilgeous-Alexander’s extension, Presti’s roster-building prowess transformed Oklahoma City from a rebuilding team into NBA champions.
The Lasting Impact of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Extension on OKC’s Future
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s five-year extension with OKC Thunder marked a pivotal moment, signaling the franchise’s belief in their young star and in building around him. His dedication, combined with astute draft choices and savvy trades by Sam Presti, fostered a culture of growth and competitiveness that led the Thunder to historic achievements.
As a result, the Thunder are no longer regarded as a developing team but as legitimate contenders in the NBA landscape, thanks largely to Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and the front office’s commitment to constructing a balanced, high-performing squad. The coming years will test their ability to maintain this success, but the foundation appears firmly set for continued excellence.