Introduction
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), the current NBA MVP and champion, has agreed to a groundbreaking $285 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This deal makes him the highest-paid player in the league, averaging $71.3 million per season once it takes effect in the 2027-28 season.
SGA’s Impressive Career and Recent Achievements
At 26 years old, SGA had a standout season, leading the Thunder to their first championship with a seven-game victory over the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 30.3 points per game during the series and was named MVP of the Finals.
During the regular season, SGA averaged 32.1 points per game, including a streak of 20 or more points in 72 consecutive games. He also averaged five rebounds and 6.4 assists, both personal bests. His value extended beyond scoring, as the Thunder ranked first in defensive rating and third in offensive rating.
SGA led the league in scoring, joining an elite group that includes Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
SGA’s Journey to the NBA
Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, SGA was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Clippers. After averaging 10.8 points per game in his rookie season, he was traded to Oklahoma City for Paul George.
General manager Sam Presti has been instrumental in selecting and developing players to build a sustainable and competitive roster. Now, the Thunder may face challenging decisions regarding contract extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
NBA’s Highest-Paid Players by Total Contract Value
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: five years, $313 million
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: four years, $285 million
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: five years, $285 million
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: five years, $276 million
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons: five years, $269 million
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers: five years, $269 million
- Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns: five years, $251 million
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: five years, $244 million
- Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers: five years, $244 million
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: five years, $228 million
NBA’s Highest-Paid Players by Average Annual Salary
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: $71.3 million
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $64.3 million
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: $62.8 million
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: $58.4 million
- Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks: $58.4 million
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $57 million
- Jimmy Butler, GS Warriors: $55.4 million
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $55.2 million
- Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat: $55.116 million
- Karl-Anthony Towns, NY Knicks: $55.1 million
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $55.1 million
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? SGA is a 26-year-old professional basketball player who recently became the highest-paid player in the NBA after signing a $285 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- What makes SGA’s contract significant? This contract makes SGA the highest-paid player in NBA history, with an average annual salary of $71.3 million.
- What were SGA’s achievements in the recent season? SGA led the Thunder to their first championship, was named MVP of the Finals, and led the league in scoring during the regular season.
- What is SGA’s background in the NBA? Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, SGA was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and eventually landed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he has become a key player.
- What challenges might the Thunder face now? With SGA’s record-breaking contract, the Thunder may need to make tough decisions regarding contract extensions for other players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
