If Alexander signs next year, the Thunder will need to spend 5 years of 380 million yuan in a super maximum salary

On July 7, in the NBA, a league where business and competition coexist, players' salaries are often regarded as a direct reflection of their personal value. However, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made an unexpected decision - he chose to renew his contract with the team one year ahead of schedule and sign a four-year, $285 million contract instead of waiting until next summer to pursue a super maximum salary that could reach $380 million in five years. This move not only demonstrates Alexander's loyalty to the team, but also reveals his lofty ambitions for establishing the Thunder Dynasty.

### Alexander's Growth and Value

Since entering the league in 2018, Alexander has gradually grown into one of the most influential young players in the league. Last season, he averaged 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, shooting as high as 51% from the field and 35% from three-point shooting percentage. Such performance not only made him an All-Star, but also entered the MVP discussion scope. His comprehensive skills and calm performance at critical moments are even more impressive. It can be said that Alexander has already joined the league's top stars and is fully qualified to sign a super maximum salary contract next summer.

### Why choose to renew your contract in advance?

On the surface, Alexander's early contract renewal seemed to have "lose" nearly $100 million in potential revenue. But in fact, there are multiple considerations behind this decision.

First of all, the flexibility of **Capital space is the key to the Thunder's future team building. The Thunder currently has a group of very talented young players, such as Chet Homegren, Jaylen Williams, etc., and they will enter the contract renewal period in the next few years. If Alexander chooses to sign a super maximum salary next year, the team's salary space will be greatly compressed and may not be able to retain these potential new stars. Alexander's salary cut has retained more operational space for the team, allowing the management to continue to maintain the competitiveness of the lineup in the next few years.

Secondly, the ambition to establish a dynasty was Alexander's core motivation. The Thunder have accumulated a lot of talent through drafts in recent years, and the team's young core has shown the potential to hit the championship. Alexander obviously realized this, and he hopes to help the team build a lineup that can compete for the championship for a long time in the next few years through his own sacrifice. This team-first spirit not only won the respect of fans, but also set an example for the locker room.

In addition, **risk aversion** is also a factor that cannot be ignored. The careers of NBA players are full of uncertainty, and risks such as injuries and declining state may occur at any time. Locking a long-term contract in advance, although slightly lower, can ensure that Alexander has a stable income in the next few years. Especially when he just achieved his peak performance, this contract is also a guarantee of his own value.

### The Thunder's future blueprint

Alexander's salary cut and contract renewal provides more operational possibilities for the Thunder's management. The team currently has a large number of draft picks and young players, and can further strengthen the lineup through trades or free market signings in the next few years. Especially in the summer of 2025, the Thunder will have plenty of cap space to target the top stars in the market and find more helpers for Alexander.

In addition, the young core of the Thunder has shown great chemistry. With Homegren's defensive coverage, Williams' all-around performance, and Alexander's leadership, the team's upward space is exciting. If the management can make good use of the salary dividends brought by Alexander's "friendly price" contract renewal, the Thunder will be a top team in the Western Conference and even the entire league in the next three to five years.

### The salary cut precedent in the alliance

Alexander's decision is not without precedent. Historically, many great players have chosen to cut their salaries for the benefit of the team. Tim Duncan has repeatedly accepted contracts below market prices for the Spurs, helping the team maintain its competitiveness for twenty years; Dirk Nowitzki has also cut his salary several times with the Mavericks (now the Mavericks), which eventually brought a championship trophy to Dallas. The sacrifice of these players not only won them the love of fans, but also laid a solid foundation for the team's success.

Alexander's choice continues this tradition. He understands that true greatness is not only reflected in personal data or salary figures, but also in whether we can lead the team to its peak.

### Fans' reaction to the media

Alexander's decision to renew his contract has sparked widespread discussions among fans and the media. Most fans appreciate his choice, believing it reflects the responsibility of a leader. On social media, many Thunder fans called Alexander "the future of Russia" and were full of expectations for his future performance.

media, ESPN's well-known analyst Brian Vinhorst said: "Alexander's decision shows his confidence in the Thunder, and this spirit of sacrifice is not common in today's NBA." Sports Illustrated pointed out that Alexander's salary cut may become a benchmark for future star contract renewal, especially when young teams try to establish a dynasty.

### Conclusion

Shay Gilgers-Alexander's four-year renewal of 285 million was on the surface an ordinary contract negotiation, but in fact it contained his far-reaching considerations for the team's future. He gave up maximizing personal interests and chose the success of his team. This spirit is exactly the difference between great players and ordinary stars.

For the Thunder, Alexander's contract renewal was a sign that they not only possess talent, but also have a culture of unity and sacrifice. If this young team can continue to grow, we may witness a new dynasty rising in Oklahoma in the next few years. And Alexander is undoubtedly the core and soul of all this.