Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of making history with a groundbreaking supermax contract that could make him the first player in NBA history to earn an $80 million salary in a single season. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Gilgeous-Alexander will be eligible for a four-year supermax extension worth nearly $300 million this summer, with his salary projected to reach the unprecedented $80 million mark by the 2030-31 season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s elite players, delivering another MVP-caliber season. Averaging a career-high 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting an impressive 52.7% from the field, SGA has elevated the Oklahoma City Thunder to serious playoff contenders. Although his three-point shooting sits at 3.8%, his overall efficiency and ability to dominate in the mid-range and around the rim make him a scoring machine.
As the Thunder’s undisputed leader, Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, solidifying himself as a frontrunner for the MVP award alongside Nikola Jokic. The three-time reigning MVP, Jokic, remains a formidable competitor, but Shai’s dynamic scoring, playmaking, and defensive impact put him in the thick of the conversation.
SGA’s eligibility for the supermax stems from his exceptional on-court performance and accolades. Under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, a player must meet certain criteria—such as making All-NBA teams or winning major awards—to qualify for a supermax extension. Gilgeous-Alexander, a member of the All-NBA First Team in 2024, checks all the necessary boxes.
Should Gilgeous-Alexander sign the extension, his annual salary would increase incrementally over the course of the deal, eventually reaching $80 million in its final year. This would make him the highest-paid player in league history for a single season, surpassing the current record held by superstars such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
The $80 million figure reflects not only the league’s growing revenue but also the central role stars like Gilgeous-Alexander play in the NBA’s global appeal. With media rights deals and international markets continuing to expand, salaries of this magnitude are becoming increasingly feasible.
While the financial implications of the deal are groundbreaking, Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent comments suggest his decision will be about more than just money. Speaking to reporters in Cleveland, SGA expressed his deep connection to Oklahoma City and its community.
His remarks underscore a rare level of loyalty in an era where superstar movement has become the norm. Gilgeous-Alexander appears committed to building something special in OKC, a sentiment that will likely resonate with fans and solidify his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential $80 million salary symbolizes a new era in the NBA, where player earnings continue to reflect the league’s financial growth. While critics might question the sustainability of such contracts, the rising salary cap and revenue streams make deals like this the logical next step.
If he signs the extension, SGA won’t just set a new standard for player salaries—he’ll also reaffirm his place as one of the NBA’s elite talents while paving the way for future stars to aim even higher. For Oklahoma City, securing Gilgeous-Alexander ensures their competitive future and reinforces their commitment to developing homegrown talent.
