Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached new heights in the 2024-25 NBA season, solidifying his status as an elite player. In May, Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, surpassing three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo. On the same day, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first-ever NBA Finals championship by beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 29 points and 12 assists to secure the win and was named Finals MVP for the first time in his career.
His achievements placed him alongside Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players in NBA history to win the scoring title, MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season, marking a milestone that underscores his impact on the league.
Record-setting contract underscores Gilgeous-Alexander’s value to Oklahoma City
Following this breakout season, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a monumental four-year, $285 million super-max contract extending through 2031, making it the highest annual salary in NBA history at $72.5 million per season. This deal ranks as the fifth richest contract across all sports, reflecting his extraordinary value to the Thunder franchise. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points per game (PPG) during the regular season, the highest scoring average ever recorded by a player on a championship-winning team, narrowly surpassing Michael Jordan’s 32.6 PPG in the 1992-93 season.
The 2025 MVP has effectively transformed the Thunder into a title contender, achieving what previous stars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook could not. His comprehensive skill set includes averages of 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc.
SGA’s statistical dominance parallels NBA legends
Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite season places him in rarefied company. The only other player to post averages of at least 30 points on 50% shooting alongside five rebounds, five assists, 1.5 steals, and one block per game is Michael Jordan, who accomplished the feat twice during his 1987-88 and 1990-91 MVP seasons. Despite facing criticism for what some perceived as foul-baiting tendencies, Gilgeous-Alexander proved instrumental in leading the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference at 68-14.
Since arriving in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander has steadily developed into a calm and reliable leader on the court, demonstrating his ability to elevate both his own game and that of his teammates.
The origins and aftermath of the Paul George trade
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to stardom has a complex backstory. Drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, the same class as Luka Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. His rookie season in Los Angeles showed promise but it was his inclusion in the 2019 blockbuster trade that would alter the NBA landscape profoundly.
The Clippers acquired Paul George from Oklahoma City in exchange for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and two pick swaps. Simultaneously, the Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard in free agency, forming a superstar duo that many expected to dominate the league. However, this strategic gamble failed to meet expectations.
The Clippers’ struggles contrasted with Oklahoma City’s rise
Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, and the outcomes of the trade have become even more evident. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander developed into an MVP and Finals champion, anchoring one of the NBA’s most promising young cores. Meanwhile, Paul George left the Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kawhi Leonard faced injury setbacks, never advancing beyond one Western Conference Finals appearance during their tenure together.
The Clippers’ current rebuild includes adding James Harden, but the veteran’s age and waning scoring ability make sustained success uncertain. Fans and observers widely criticize the trade, with some labeling it as the worst in NBA history. One fan remarked, “Clippers in shambles,” while another joked, “Clippers gonna Clipper,” highlighting the franchise’s ongoing instability.
Oklahoma City’s strategic advantages and future outlook
The Thunder’s gains include the younger, more productive roster and a treasure trove of future draft assets, including LA’s first-round picks until 2026. They have already capitalized on these picks, selecting promising players like Jalen Williams. Oklahoma City finished as the number one seed in the Western Conference last season before falling in the conference semifinals to Dallas, displaying clear potential to remain competitive.
Gilgeous-Alexander said of the trade years later,
“I had a great year here when I was here. Their front office made a trade that they thought was best for their team. Same with the Thunder,”
and added,
“Then the last five years I’ve tried to focus on my development and the team’s development. I’ve tried to be the best basketball player I can be for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And I’d say it worked out in my favor.”
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique style and comparisons to NBA greats
Beyond numbers, Gilgeous-Alexander possesses a distinctive combination of length, handles, and craftiness around the basket that sets him apart from many past stars. His game combines an unguardable inside finishing ability with a deadly perimeter threat and a smooth transition offense. Though he lacks the raw athleticism of players like Dwyane Wade or Clyde Drexler, his rare skill set defies easy comparisons.
He has been likened to Hall of Famers such as Wade, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and Clyde Drexler. In fact, his statistical performance last season in points, assists, steals, and shooting percentages all exceeded those of Kobe Bryant during Kobe’s 2008 MVP campaign. Yet, many analysts argue that Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique attributes and style make him stand apart from any direct parallel in NBA history.
The lasting impact of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade
The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade impact is clear: Oklahoma City transformed from a struggling franchise to NBA champions, led by a generational talent locked into a historic contract. Meanwhile, the Clippers continue to search for a sustainable path forward after the loss of promising building blocks and unfulfilled star pairings.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract extension and recent accolades underscore the Thunder’s success in developing and maximizing his potential, while the Clippers deal stands as a cautionary tale of miscalculated trades and failed championship pursuits. Going forward, Oklahoma City is positioned as a perennial threat in the Western Conference, boasting youth, talent, and strong management. The Clippers must rebuild around new assets, hoping to recover from one of the most criticized trades in recent NBA memory.