It's a good thing the OKC Thunder are unquestionably committed to keeping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the long haul because, if they weren't, they'd have a hard time getting rid of him.
In fact, thanks to a little-known league mandate, it would be virtually impossible for the organization to do so at this point.
Per NBA rules, any player who signs a super-max contract extension automatically becomes ineligible to be traded for one full year.
Considering he just put pen to paper on a new four-year, $285 million extension this past offseason, this would mean Gilgeous-Alexander is both emotionally and factually untouchable during the 2025-26 campaign.
Thunder couldn't trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander even if they wanted to
Offseason signings regularly come attached to trade eligibility restrictions. Thunder big man Jaylin Williams, who inked a new three-year, $24 million pact, has one that makes him ineligible to be dealt before December 29.
However, SGA's specific deal transcends such norms, making him the only player in the entire league who cannot be traded this year, as he was the lone individual who signed a designated-veteran super-max during the offseason.
Despite the fears about how their summer spending spree might impact their payroll status in the new tax-apron era, so far into the season, it seems every penny Sam Presti and company spent has been well worth it -- especially when it comes to Gilgeous-Alexander.
In a shocking turn of events, the reigning league and NBA Finals MVP has somehow managed to raise his game to an even higher level now in his eighth season, posting new career-highs in key areas such as assists (6.6), corner three-point percentage (roughly 50.0 percent), and effective field goal percentage (59.9).
On top of this, he ranks first in total points scored (580) while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor, and is well on his way toward becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to score 30 or more points per night in four consecutive seasons.
The only other players to accomplish such a feat: Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson.
Through 18 games played, the Thunder are unquestionably the best team the game currently has to offer, boasting a league-best defensive rating of 102.8, net rating of 16.9, and per 100 possessions point differential of +16.5 while finding themselves amid the 10-best start in league history at 17-1.
While many factors have led them to such a dominant start (breakout performances from supporting players, sensational coaching, favorable schedule, etc.), leading the charge has been the figuratively and literally untouchable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.