Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A New Era for the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have solidified their franchise cornerstone, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a four-year, $285 million contract extension. This landmark deal cements his status as the highest-paid player in NBA history on an annual basis, underscoring the Thunder's commitment to building a championship-contending team around him.
A Journey of Growth and Success
Since joining the Thunder in 2019 as part of a trade involving Paul George, Gilgeous-Alexander has evolved into the face of the franchise. Through the team's challenging phases, he remained steadfast, culminating in an incredible 68-win season and an NBA championship this year.
A Season for the Ages
This past season, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance:
- 32.7 points per game during the regular season
- 30.3 points per game in the NBA Finals
He joined an elite group of players who have won both the MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Unparalleled Consistency and Impact
Gilgeous-Alexander's success extends beyond scoring. He is the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to win both a scoring title and an NBA championship in the same season. His consistency is evident in his 72-game streak of scoring 20 or more points, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history within a single season.
The Thunder's Remarkable Rebuild
The Thunder's rebuild has been nothing short of impressive. Transitioning from 22 and 24 wins in previous seasons to a championship run this year highlights their progressive growth. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and dedication have been instrumental in this turnaround.
A Promising Future
With this new contract, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are poised for continued success. The franchise's trust in him has been validated by his outstanding performances. The focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and potentially building a dynasty in Oklahoma City.
