Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA contract details: Total earnings, salary cap and more

Shai Gilgeous Alexander is riding the high wave of NBA’s global evolution. With a $75 billion media rights deal signed with heavyweights like Disney, Amazon, and NBC, the NBA is expanding its wings and is reaching into another zone, influencing individual player contracts.

(Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)After Shai’s incredible 2024-25 season, from winning the regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, to NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder wasted no time securing the Canadian star. cornerstone. Before the commencement of the 2025-26 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a massive extension contract with the Thunder worth a staggering amount of $285 million for 4-year that will keep him in Oklahoma City through the 2030-31 season.This deal was a shocker, but for Thunder, it was a crucial step to keep their ace in the franchise while keeping the dream for another championship alive.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contract breakdown

With this designated veteran extension contract worth $285 million, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is all set to rule the NBA as the highest-paid player starting in 2027 till 2031. Under this contract, he will earn $273.3 million guaranteed and an annual salary of $68.3 million, surpassing Stephen Curry’s $62.6 million in 2026-27.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, this supermax contract might make Shai the first-ever NBA player to earn $80 million in a single season.Though the extension doesn't actually kick in until the 2027-28 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to enjoy his 5-year rookie extension contract that he signed in 2022, worth $179 million. In 2024, Shai’s cap hits sat at $35.8 million, but for this season, it sits at $38.8 million, pushing his NBA career earnings to $155.4 million.

As per Spotrac, with the new contract, Shai is set to enjoy an annual salary of $61 million in 2027, $65 million in 2028, and by 2030-31 a colossal amount of $75 million, amassing about $300 million from this deal.

Impact of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s extension

From a team-building perspective, the Thunder have positioned themselves to navigate the NBA’s strict luxury tax rules while maintaining a championship window. This same situation is faced by the Golden State Warriors, who have to pay an estimated tax of over $81 million for 2025-26.

Through their commitment towards securing the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have shown their determination to win another ring.Another eye-opening fact about this contract is how Gilgeous-Alexander had reportedly negotiated this deal without an agent, saving himself roughly $11.4 million in commission fees. This savvy business-like mind, combined with his $15 million sneaker deal with Converse, and endorsements with Skims, AT&T, and Canada Goose, will ensure his entry into the richest NBA players’ club.This deal definitely sets the new financial benchmark in NBA and will influence all the upcoming contracts. With the league’s expansion, the salary cap will continue to rise, and who knows, there might be a player who’ll earn $100 million in a single season. Also read: Stephen Curry NBA contract details: Total earnings, salary cap and more