The historic NBA title recently claimed by the Oklahoma City Thunder hasn’t clouded their focus—they already have their sights set on what’s next. Determined to keep a championship-caliber roster intact, the franchise’s front office has ensured that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will remain the cornerstone of the team for years to come, agreeing to a record-breaking contract extension.

The Canadian star was the undeniable leader of a team that, built around young talent and balanced with just the right amount of experience, managed to defeat the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic Game 7—securing the first championship in franchise history.

Wasting no time, the Thunder knew keeping him on the roster was absolutely essential. That’s why they reached an agreement on a four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension with one of the league’s premier players.

The news was confirmed by NBA insider Shams Charania, who shared further details through his official X account (formerly Twitter). This blockbuster move is expected to set a strong precedent across the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks to the press after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“BREAKING: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million super maximum contract extension with the championship Oklahoma City Thunder through 2030-31, sources tell ESPN. This is now the richest annual salary for a player in league history,” the insider reported via @ShamsCharania.

Who are the highest-paid players in the NBA?

The staggering number agreed upon by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his contract extension with OKC currently makes him the highest-paid player in the league. Who follows him in this ranking?
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, starting at over $63.5 million (and escalating to over $78.7 million in the final year of his extension). His average annual salary over the 4 years of this extension will be $71.25 million
  • Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): Projected around $64.3 million
  • Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): Projected around $62.8 million
  • Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics): Projected around $62.7 million (depending on his upcoming extension and structure)
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) / Devin Booker (Suns) / Jaylen Brown (Celtics) / Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): All projected in the $61-62 million range for that season, depending on their specific contracts and if they sign new extensions.

SURVEY Can the Thunder win back-to-back titles?

Can the Thunder win back-to-back titles?

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