Oklahoma City has locked up its superstar. NBA MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous- Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million super-max extension, keeping him in a Thunder uniform through the 2030-31 season. The deal makes him the highest- paid player in league history, averaging $71.25 million per year, a new benchmark in professional sports.

This contract cements Gilgeous- Alexander’s place not just as the face of the Thunder, but as one of the most accomplished players of his era. He led the NBA with 32.7 points per game in the regular season and 30.3 in the Finals, becoming one of only a dozen players ever to win both MVP and Finals MVP in the same year, a club that includes Jordan, LeBron, Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Shaq.

At just 26 years old, Gilgeous- Alexander also joined an even rarer group: he became the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win a scoring title and NBA championship in the same season. The only others to ever do that is Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, and Joe Fulks. He is now one of just four players in league history to complete the triple crown of scoring champ, MVP, and NBA champion in a single season.

It’s been a remarkable journey.

Gilgeous-Alexander arrived in OKC as part of the Paul George trade in 2019—a move that also netted a historic haul of draft picks, including co-star Jalen Williams. As the Thunder underwent a full rebuild, Gilgeous-Alexander remained committed. The team endured tough years with 22 and 24 wins but surged with three straight double-digit-win increases, culminating in a 68-win championship season.

His statistical dominance this season was historic:

• 3,172 total points (regular season + playoffs) – the most by any player since Jordan in 1993

• 72 consecutive games with 20+ points – 4th longest in NBA history

• +918 plus-minus – best since Stephen Curry in 201617 This extension isn’t just about money—it’s about Oklahoma City’s belief in a player who’s delivered on every level. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the Thunder isn’t just defending champions—they’re building a dynasty.