Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently signed a four-year supermax contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder valued at $285.4 million, surpassing the combined salaries of the NFL’s highest-paid running backs. The deal highlights his growing stature in the NBA and sets a new benchmark for player compensation.
Comparison of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Salary with Top NFL Running Backs
According to reports by ESPN’s Shams Charania and salary data from Spotrac, Gilgeous-Alexander’s average annual salary (AAV) under his new supermax contract will be approximately $71.4 million. This amount exceeds the combined yearly earnings of the NFL’s top four running backs: Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Jonathan Taylor, whose total AAV sums to $68.6 million. Barkley leads among them with an AAV of $20.6 million, followed by McCaffrey at $19 million, Henry at $15 million, and Taylor at $14 million.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Outstanding Performance Drives Contract
Leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role throughout a season that concluded with a 68-14 regular season record. The Thunder went on to reach the finals with a 16-7 playoff record, overcoming teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Indiana Pacers. His individual achievements were remarkable, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game during the regular season, while shooting a highly efficient 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. In the playoffs, he maintained strong performance, averaging 29.9 points, 6.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest.
Details of the $285 Million Supermax Extension
NBA insider Bobby Marks shared a detailed overview of Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract on social media. The extension will begin in the 2027-28 season, after Gilgeous-Alexander completes the remaining two years on his current five-year, $179.3 million deal signed in 2021. He is set to earn $38.3 million in the upcoming season and $40.8 million in the following year. Starting with the extension, his salary will start at $63.5 million and gradually increase, nearing $80 million by the contract’s final year.
League sources revealed that the final year of the agreement will include an opt-out clause, offering Gilgeous-Alexander some flexibility if he chooses. This contract structure positions the Thunder to maintain a competitive edge, as they have Gilgeous-Alexander secured for the next six seasons.
Future Outlook for the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder enter the 2024-25 NBA season as one of the youngest teams, averaging 24.14 years in age, but with Gilgeous-Alexander’s supermax contract in place, expectations are high for continued contention. His role as a cornerstone player not only ensures stability for the franchise but also signals the Thunder’s ambition to remain championship contenders in the coming years.