Report: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to become the first player to earn nearly $1 million per game

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned NBA MVP from the Oklahoma City Thunder, is reportedly nearing a historic financial milestone. His standout performance this regular season, combined with meeting key contractual benchmarks, has positioned him for a major extension in the coming years.

After starting his NBA journey as a rookie with the Los Angeles Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander has evolved into the unquestioned leader of the Thunder. His growth and experience have turned him into a legitimate superstar, helping elevate Oklahoma City into championship contention.

Following his MVP campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander is now eligible for a contract extension that could make him the first player in NBA history to earn $1 million per game.

Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible for two massive extensions

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Thunder guard met the “supermax” criteria (two All-NBA selections in three years) last offseason but wasn’t yet eligible due to insufficient years of service. That changes this summer.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander met the super max criteria (All-NBA in 2 out of 3 years) last offseason but was ineligible to sign because he was short of the years of service criteria. He is eligible this offseason to sign a four-year $293M extension with OKC,” Marks posted on X.

see also

Shai wins NBA MVP: Who was the last American to win the award?

And that’s not all. Marks also confirmed that winning MVP has triggered a second, and even bigger, potential extension. “Because he won MVP (and this would have applied to being named All-NBA this year), SGA is now eligible to sign a five-year $380M extension but would have to wait until the 2026 offseason,” Marks added.

A record-breaking contract on the horizon

If Gilgeous-Alexander signs the five-year, $380 million extension projected for the summer of 2026, he would average over $75 million per season, making him the first player to earn approximately $1 million per game.

Keith Smith of Spotrac provided a breakdown of the possible year-by-year salary:

• 2027–28: $65.5M
• 2028–29: $70.7M
• 2029–30: $75.9M
• 2030–31: $81.2M
• 2031–32: $86.5M
• Total: Five years, $379.8M

As the Thunder look to capture the first championship in franchise history, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on and off the court continues to grow. With this latest achievement, he’s not only cementing his legacy in Oklahoma City, he’s redefining the economics of superstardom in the NBA.