Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Star on the Rise in Oklahoma City
A Bright Future in Thunder Blue
At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making waves in the NBA and has firmly entrenched himself in the MVP conversation. His journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder is not just a tale of personal success but also a testament to the team’s promising future. The Thunder, led by the astute general manager Sam Presti, have become serious contenders for the championship, with a roster that complements Shai's talent.
Surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander are his two young and gifted teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, aged 22 and 23, respectively. Their youthful energy, combined with Shai's leadership, paints a hopeful picture for Thunder fans. Despite his relatively young age, Gilgeous-Alexander is already a veteran presence on the team, with only Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, both 30, having more years on the court than him.
A Commitment to Excellence
Shai’s impact isn't just observed on the stats sheet – he started in the All-Star Game last year and is likely to do so again next month. Should he maintain his current performance and health, he’s poised to grace the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year. "I love Oklahoma City. I can't see a world where I'm not in OKC," Shai confidently stated, dispelling any lingering doubts about his commitment to the franchise. "Market, no market. I don't care. I love where I am."
His dedication to the Thunder goes beyond the court. Despite past speculations about him leaving after a tough 24-58 season in 2022, Shai has remained a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence. "I know what I signed up for when I signed a five-year extension, and I don't think we're going to be losing for much longer," he mentioned, underlining his faith in the team’s trajectory.
On the Brink of Historic Earnings
Next summer holds potential for a groundbreaking financial milestone for Gilgeous-Alexander. He is eligible to sign a four-year supermax extension that starts at 35% of the 2027-28 salary cap, extending through the 2030-31 season. This extension could make him the first NBA player to earn over $80 million in a single season, with the final year projecting a staggering $81.4 million payday.
Interestingly, despite the looming financial windfall, Shai remains grounded, emphasizing his love for the game over money. "I go to work every day with a smile on my face. The money doesn't matter, to a certain extent. As long as I enjoy what I'm doing at a very high level, love the people that I'm around doing it, market doesn't matter to me."
A Vision for Success
The Oklahoma City Thunder have seen a remarkable turnaround since their days of struggle in 2022. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the team is not just eyeing success but is determined to achieve greatness. "I believe in this team," Shai asserts, and with his unwavering dedication, the Thunder's future looks brighter than ever.