Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been immortalized as the 2024-25 NBA MVP. It's a well-earned honor for one of the best and most dynamic players in the Association, acting as the perfect confirmation of his ascension of the modern hierarchy.
As a result of this monumental feat, Gilgeous-Alexander will have a chance to sign a contract extension that you need to see to believe.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the 2024-25 regular season averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block, and 2.1 three-point field goals made on .519/.375/.898 shooting. He secured his first career scoring title and led the Thunder to a franchise record 68 wins.
That all amounted to Gilgeous-Alexander joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as players who have won MVP while playing for the Thunder.
Bobby Marks of ESPN noted that, as a result of winning the MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander is now eligible for a mind-blowing five-year, $380 million contract extension.
For as unbelievable as that figure may be, it somehow isn't guaranteed to break up the core the Thunder have assembled.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP, eligible for $380 million extension
By all means and measures, Gilgeous-Alexander's new extension figure is stunning. It's not to say that he doesn't deserve it or that this isn't the trend of the modern NBA, but in a salary-capped league, every penny tends to count.
The obvious concern in a situation of this nature is that the Thunder will soon find it difficult to keep the band together.
The reality of what Sam Presti has built, however, is that his roster is perfectly equipped to pay Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams big money and still retain their depth. The key, however, is the governorship being willing to incur that cost.
If they are, then the Thunder are in a uniquely strong position to make a serious run toward dynastic achievement.
Gilgeous-Alexander's current contract runs through 2026-27, meaning his extension wouldn't kick in until 2027-28. Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, and Kenrich Williams all have club options for the 2026-27 season, with Wallace eligible for restricted free agency in 2027.
Furthermore, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are signed through 2027-28, and Alex Caruso is on the books through 2028-29.
It's difficult to avoid the realistic possibility that extending Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams would enter Oklahoma City into the second apron. With an abundance of future draft picks and team-friendly contracts to move for quality pieces, however, flexibility would still remain.
If the Thunder are willing to pay the costs that come with keeping a team with dynastic ambitions together under the current CBA, then Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-worthy extension won't change a thing about this team's future.