Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear as day he would like to stay in Oklahoma City for the long haul.
Speaking after the Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling battle between the top teams of the season, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about the significance of market size to stars.
“I can only speak for myself. I love Oklahoma City and I can’t see a world where I’m not in Oklahoma City,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m comfortable where I am. I like where I am, I love the people in the organization, love the people around me. Those are the things that matter. I go to work every day with a smile on my face.
“Me personally, the market doesn’t matter. The money doesn’t matter to a certain extent. But as long as I enjoy what I’m doing at a very high level, I love the people that I’m around doing it.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “I love Oklahoma City. I can’t see a world where I’m not in OKC. Market, no market. I don’t care. I love where I am. … I go to work everyday with a smile on my face.” pic.twitter.com/uetv4bpF4a
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) January 9, 2025
Money Will Matter
With his outstanding play, Gilgeous-Alexander has positioned himself to receive a supermax extension this summer. It’s expected, though, he will stay patient in signing an extension until the summer of 2026, when the number he’s eligible for is expected to rise.
Supermax extensions are only possible for homegrown players. It is most advantageous economically for Gilgeous-Alexander to stick around with the Thunder.
Knowing the money that will be ponied up soon enough, Thunder general manager Sam Presti has done an excellent job stockpiling draft picks over the next several years. This ensures the team will have a healthy pool of contracts all under its control.
History Not On Oklahoma City’s Side
Oklahoma City still has to prove it can keep a superstar for the long haul. Consider Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook left, despite great years with the Thunder — though Westbrook was traded rather than departing as a free agent. They had also ingratiated themselves with the fans and community on a deep level.
Part of that comes down to ownership’s willingness to pay up, a big reason why James Harden ended up leaving before his best years.
Times are different now, though, as players are able to build their profiles up through social media and streaming platforms in a way that wasn’t possible before.
The future is for another day. Right now, the Thunder are atop the West and Gilgeous-Alexander is on course to win league MVP.
