NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inks substantial 4-year contract extension with champion Oklahoma City Thunder, according to an Associated Press insider.
In a significant move for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285-million extension, a deal that will make him the highest-earning player in the NBA for a single season. The news broke on Canada Day, a fitting coincidence for Gilgeous-Alexander, who hails from Ontario.
ESPN was the first to report on the agreement, which was confirmed by an anonymous source to the Associated Press. The deal, which starts in the 2027–28 season, will see Gilgeous-Alexander earn over $63.5 million in the first year, with his salary escalating to over $78.7 million during the 2030-31 season.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti, who referred to Gilgeous-Alexander as a "basketball artist" due to his emotional intelligence, believes that the young star's progress will continue. Presti also emphasised the importance of accessing both creative and objective sides in successful people, a trait he sees in Gilgeous-Alexander.
The extension comes at a time when many players on the Thunder team have the potential to improve further. All major players on the team are under contract through at least next season, providing a stable foundation for the team's future.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Oklahoma City Thunder after his rookie year. Since then, he has established himself as one of the premier young stars in the NBA, with multiple All-Star selections, averaging around 24-30 points per game in recent seasons, along with solid contributions in rebounds and assists.
Despite his impressive career statistics and achievements, there is limited information available regarding his record-setting contract extension's impact on his career. For the most current and complete career statistics and achievements post-extension, up-to-date sources beyond the provided search results would be required.
One thing is certain, though - Gilgeous-Alexander is confident about the team's potential for growth. He led the Thunder to their first NBA championship and the league's best record last season, and with this new contract, he is poised to continue his success with the team.
The deal has not been publicly announced and is likely to be made official once the league's moratorium on most offseason signings is lifted on Sunday. With Gilgeous-Alexander signed for the long term, the Oklahoma City Thunder are well-positioned for a bright future in the NBA.
In light of the Oklahoma City Thunder's bright future, Gilgeous-Alexander's earnings from his four-year, $285-million extension make him the highest-earning NBA player for a single season, surpassing other top sports salaries. The extension, which secures his tenure with the team across several seasons, has been confirmed following a report by ESPN.
Given his impressive NBA stats and multiple All-Star selections, Gilgeous-Alexander's growth and potential to lead the Thunder to even greater success are evident in his latest sporting achievement—taking home the NBA title and leading the league in record-breaking fashion. With his confidence in the team's potential and the stability provided by this long-term contract, Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to continue thriving in basketball's brightest league.
