In a groundbreaking moment for the NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed the richest contract in league history by annual value. The Thunder rewarded their franchise player with a four-year, $285 million super-max extension, cementing his status as one of the most valuable athletes in professional sports.
The new deal, which kicks in for the 2027-28 NBA season and runs through 2030-31, will pay Gilgeous-Alexander an average of $71.25 million per year. This figure makes him the highest-paid player in NBA history on a per-season basis, surpassing the previous record held by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Tatum had just set the mark with his $314 million extension, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s deal eclipses it in average annual value.
This historic contract comes after an extraordinary 2024-25 season for Gilgeous-Alexander. The 26-year-old guard led the Thunder to their first NBA Championship since the franchise relocated from Seattle. Along the way, SGA captured the NBA MVP award, Finals MVP, and the scoring title, averaging 32.7 points per game. His dominant two-way play and leadership helped propel Oklahoma City from a young contender to league champions.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey has been remarkable. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, he starred for the University of Kentucky during the 2017-18 college basketball season before being selected 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and then traded to the LA Clippers. After one season in Los Angeles, he was sent to Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George trade. Since then, he has blossomed into one of the NBA’s elite guards.
For the Thunder, locking up SGA was a no-brainer. General Manager Sam Presti made it clear that Gilgeous-Alexander is the centerpiece of their long-term vision. With a core that includes Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, plus an impressive stockpile of future draft picks, Oklahoma City is well-positioned to remain competitive for years to come.
This contract not only reflects Gilgeous-Alexander’s immense value on the court but also symbolizes the Thunder’s commitment to building around their superstar. As one of the league’s brightest young faces, SGA’s record-breaking extension signals a new era for Oklahoma City and sets a fresh benchmark for player salaries across the NBA.
