Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Record-Breaking Long-Term Deal with Oklahoma City

The NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has committed to a four-year, $285 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This agreement ensures his presence in OKC through the 2030-31 season and sets a new record for the highest annual salary in NBA history at $71.25 million.

The contract will commence in the 2027-2028 season, following the expiration of his current deal. Gilgeous-Alexander’s new deal surpasses previous records, including Jayson Tatum’s five-year, $304 million contract with the Boston Celtics, which held the record for the largest total value, though Gilgeous-Alexander now holds the record for highest yearly pay.

Having been an NBA All-Star for the past three seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander had already met one criterion for a supermax, and his 2025 MVP award made him eligible for a three-year supermax extension. However, restrictions under league rules prevented him from signing such a deal until completing his seventh year in the league.

That seventh year was remarkable; Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in the Thunder’s championship run, averaging 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game in the 2024-2025 season. His exceptional performance earned him both the league MVP and Finals MVP awards, making him the first player in over a decade to achieve this feat.

Now a veteran, Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible to earn up to 35% of the team’s salary cap starting in 2027 when his current rookie extension concludes. NBA rules limit contracts to a maximum of six years and extensions to four, explaining why he didn’t sign a longer deal earlier, despite the opportunity to do so next summer.

By signing this extension now, Oklahoma City secures its franchise star earlier, rather than waiting for potential future negotiations. This move demonstrates the team’s confidence in Gilgeous-Alexander as the face of their franchise for years to come.