Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has reached a historic contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, ensuring that the rising star will remain the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. This agreement comes after an extraordinary season where Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a dominant 68-14 regular season record and secured both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP titles.
Milestone Season Caps Off With New Contract
This past year marked a defining chapter in Gilgeous-Alexander’s career, as he guided the Thunder through an intense seven-game NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers to claim the franchise’s first-ever championship. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the new deal will make Gilgeous-Alexander the highest-paid player in league history, a rare honor reflecting his impact on and off the court.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed two contract extensions now as a member of the Thunder, cementing both sides’ partnership and trust since he arrived to OKC in 2019. He joined an exclusive club of players to win the MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.” — Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Joining the Legends With a Stellar Career
At only 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has already achieved milestones that place him alongside some of basketball’s all-time greats. By earning both the MVP and Finals MVP in the same campaign, he shares company with legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Willis Reed.
In addition to this elite group, Gilgeous-Alexander also joined Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, and Joe Fulks as the few players who have secured a scoring title and an NBA Championship in the same season. His accomplishments underline a year that ranks among the finest in NBA history.
Oklahoma City’s Future Hinges on Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership
With Gilgeous-Alexander officially committed to Oklahoma City, the Thunder now have stability around their star player and a promising young core. This strategic move not only secures the team’s competitive edge but also signals the likelihood that the Western Conference’s power dynamics will revolve around the Thunder for the foreseeable future.
As the franchise builds toward sustained success, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Gilgeous-Alexander continues to elevate his game and lead Oklahoma City on the national stage.