Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets record-breaking contract after helping Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship

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.

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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.