Rising Star: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Track for Record-Breaking Contract

With his 2024-25 NBA MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to become one of the most highly-compensated players in NBA history. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is now eligible to sign the largest contract in NBA history, a five-year, $380 million deal. However, he will have to wait until the 2026 offseason to ink the deal. Gilgeous-Alexander's first MVP win has not only secured him a massive payday but also made him eligible for a supermax contract, which would give him 35% of the salary cap. To be eligible for this supermax, he needed to either win an MVP award in the past three seasons or be selected to an All-NBA team in either the past season or two of the past three seasons. The player also has to be playing for either the team that drafted him or one that acquired him during his rookie contract. Gilgeous-Alexander's current contract, a five-year, $172 million extension, will run through the 2026 season. Combined with the supermax and his original $17 million rookie deal, he will have earned $576 million in his first 14 years in the NBA. The Thunder have been clear that they are ready to give Gilgeous-Alexander the contract he deserves, despite their small market status. And with good reason; he has been a key contributor to their success, including his two All-NBA selections this season. In addition to his on-court success, Gilgeous-Alexander has also shown his generosity off the court. He recently bought Rolex watches for the entire Thunder team, demonstrating his appreciation for the support he has received from his teammates and fans. With his newfound wealth and status as one of the highest-paid players in NBA history, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to become a household name in the league for years to come.