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Oklahoma City Thunder Sign Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To 4-Year Supermax Extension
- Jan 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

It has been quite a year for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After leading his team to the best record in the NBA in the regular season, he won the league MVP. He wasn’t done. The young superstar led the franchise to its first championship and picked up the NBA Finals MVP in the process. After a great season, it was no surprise when the Thunder announced they signed SGA to a supermax extension.

Oklahoma City Thunder Reward Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports it is a four-year supermax extension for $285 million. The deal keeps him with the Oklahoma City Thunder through the 2030-31 season. It is the richest annual salary for any player in league history. He is worth every penny after the season he just had. He joined an exclusive list of players to win the regular season MVP award and the Finals MVP award. The only other players to do this are Michael Jordan, LeBron James , Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Willis Reed, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

It Doesn’t Stop There

Gilgeous-Alexander is also the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the scoring title and a championship in the same season. Additionally, he is one of four players to get the scoring title, an MVP, and a Finals MVP in the same season. The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired SGA in the summer of 2019 as part of the Paul George trade. That trade has paid dividends, as Jalen Williams was one of the draft picks acquired in that trade.

Final Thoughts

This is a well-deserved contract. Given the age of the team, the Thunder are poised to be a contender for the next decade. Is this the beginning of the NBA’s next dynasty?

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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