Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Signs Highest-Paid NBA Contract

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed a historic four-year, $285 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history by average annual value at approximately $71.3 million per season. This extension, which keeps him with the Thunder through the 2030-31 season, surpasses the previous top earners Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum, whose annual averages stand at $64.3 million and $62.8 million respectively. Gilgeous-Alexander's contract reflects the NBA's lucrative new $76 billion television and streaming rights deal, which has significantly increased player salaries. His $71.3 million annual salary eclipses those of other NBA superstars such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James, and is also notably higher than salaries in other major sports like the NFL and NHL. Having led the Thunder to their first NBA championship and earned MVP honors, Gilgeous-Alexander's contract underscores his elite status and the evolving financial landscape of professional basketball. The deal marks a significant milestone in sports contracts and positions Gilgeous-Alexander as a central figure in the league's future.