Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could earn initial salary of $72 million after extension

The amount is expected to weigh on OKC's payroll, which would be impacted by the NBA's Luxury Tax next season.

Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to spend a lot of money if they want to keep their star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. On Friday (31), Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, both from ESPN, reported that if projections hold, the point guard could receive an initial salary of $72 million in his maximum extension, which could be signed in the next NBA season.

Bontemps noted that if the team finalizes contract extensions and opts to accept the automatic renewals of Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort, they would have a payroll of $191 million. Given that the projected salary cap for 2025-26 is $170 million, the team would fall into the category of teams affected by the league’s “luxury tax.”

Considering this likely scenario, the journalists suggested that any trade moves made by the franchise in this window “would have to be made with an eye on the future, as the salaries of the growing young core start to get more expensive.” The NBA trade deadline ends next Thursday (6).

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Deserves a High Salary

Despite the high cost, OKC is certainly focused on keeping their current roster intact, especially when it comes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The point guard is leading the team to a 37-9 record in the 2024-25 regular season, putting them at the top of the Western Conference.

The star is also the main candidate to win his first MVP award. He leads the MVP race with averages of 32.5 points, six assists, 5.2 rebounds, two steals, and one block per game, while maintaining shooting consistency with 52.8% from the field and 35% from three-point range.

In early January, insider Marc Stein broke down the possible new deal SGA will sign in the upcoming season. According to the journalist, he will be eligible for a maximum extension of four years and nearly $300 million, with a record $80 million set to be received in 2030-31.

Although the deal is an attractive option, the player could choose another path and wait until the 2026 offseason, when he could sign for a five-year period.