In a groundbreaking move that has stunned the basketball world, former Kentucky Wildcat and current NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has signed a four‑year, $285 million super‑max contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder—officially making him the highest-paid player in NBA history in terms of average annual salary.
💰 Unprecedented Earnings Breakdown
- Average annual salary: $71.25 million
- Monthly: $5.93 million
- Weekly: $1.37 million
- Daily: $195,200
- Hourly: $8,133
- Per minute: $135
🔥 What Makes This So Monumental
- Record-Shattering Deal
Kicking in during the 2027–28 season and running through 2030–31, this extension sets a new benchmark. It eclipses previous super‑max deals—including Jayson Tatum’s $315 million contract—by its unparalleled annual payout. - Historic Season Rewards
The deal crowns an extraordinary 2024–25 campaign where Shai led the Thunder to their first franchise championship since relocating in 2008, earned both Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP honors, and captured the scoring title with an average of 32.7 points per game. - A Legacy-Building Investment
Thunder GM Sam Presti emphasized the stability this brings: “He’s gotten better every single year… his mindset has allowed him to take these steps.” With Shai locked in long-term, OKC secures its cornerstone player for the next six years.
📈 Cap Impact & Roster Strategy
- The contract’s total depends on future salary-cap projections but is based on expected cap growth. It could yield nearly $79 million in the final year, roughly a million per regular-season game.
- OKC will now navigate luxury tax challenges but remains well-prepared, with key players under contract and a stockpile of future draft assets.
📣 Fan & League Reaction
From NBA insiders to social media, the consensus is clear—this is the most dominant contract ever seen in league history:
“This is now the richest annual salary for a player in league history.”
“If he had waited a year he would have … probably hit $80 million by the last year.”
🏆 The Bigger Picture
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander isn’t just being paid like a superstar—he is a superstar, uniquely deserving of this record-setting reward. Coming off a 2025 MVP season, Finals dominance, and franchise-first title, this extension cements his legacy and binds him to the Thunder’s vision for years to come.
