Contract Grade
Gilgeous-Alexander just finished the second year of his rookie-scale contract. He is guaranteed for next season, with a team option in the 2021-22 season. Being the 11th pick in the 2018 NBA draft, his contract is not onerous and allows Sam Presti to put pieces around him.
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Next season SGA is due only $4.1 million with the last season being $5.4 million. If Presti holds to his normal course, he will try and lock up the Canadian mid-way through the 2021-22 season. This means that he will be able to get good money the year after Chris Paul’s contract expires.
Presti had nothing to do with the contract as he signed it with the Clippers. However, part of the genius of the George trade was getting a future cornerstone at a very low cost. This is why Presti deserved to win executive of the year.
Contract grade: A+
Season grade.
Last season with the LA Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 26.5 minutes per game. He averaged 8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds more per game this season.
These jumps are worth celebrating, particularly as he led the OKC Thunder in scoring. He was able to answer almost every challenge set by his coach or any in-game situation. He produced some incredible performances and will be better for his second playoff series.