Phoenix, AZ — In a stunning offseason development, the Phoenix Suns have locked up standout guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander on a four‑year, $285 million super‑max extension, keeping him in the desert through 2028. The agreement cements a deep commitment from the franchise to build around their burgeoning star long term in a decisive strategic maneuver.
A Deal Years in the Making
Gilgeous‑Alexander—widely known as SGA—emerged as the most dominant player in the NBA during the 2024‑25 season. He led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, was crowned NBA MVP, and added Finals MVP honors after spearheading his team’s charge to their first-ever championship. He also averaged 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds while starting all 76 regular-season games (Reuters).
Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018 and traded to Oklahoma City in a blockbuster deal, SGA quickly rose to become Oklahoma City’s foundational piece. Now, in a franchise‑altering twist, he’s set to continue that role in Phoenix—underlining the Suns’ aggressive pursuit of elite talent (Talksport).
Financial & Structural Highlights
Details emerging from team sources indicate the extension pays SGA an average of $71.35 million per season, making it the highest annual salary in NBA history, eclipsing the previous mark set by Joel Embiid ($64.3M) (Reuters). The structure reportedly includes:
- Year 1 (2025‑26): ~$63M
- Year 2 (2026‑27): ~$68M
- Year 3 (2027‑28): ~$73M
- Year 4 (2028‑29): capped at ~$78M, depending on salary‑cap growth (NBA, Fox Sports, Reddit)
The deal includes a player option in the final season, giving SGA flexibility while capping risk (espn.co.uk).
Timing: Security vs. Stretch Potential
Insiders confirm that SGA was eligible to sign a five‑year deal next summer, potentially worth $380–$400 million, which could push his salary to upwards of $80 million in a single season. But he opted for immediate security—securing guaranteed money now instead of pushing for a riskier longer term extension (Reddit, as.com).
SGA’s public comments echo his priorities: “I’m comfortable where I am. I love the people in the organization… the market doesn’t matter,” he said during media availability. “I go to work every day with a smile on my face”(Reddit).
Impact on the Suns
This blockbuster deal transforms the Suns into a serious title contender. Pairing SGA with Devin Booker, who recently signed his own record extension averaging $72.6M per year, gives Phoenix one of the most potent backcourts in the league (as.com).
However, the financial implications are significant: SGA and Booker together will occupy nearly 70% of Phoenix’s future salary cap. The front office must now navigate roster assembly carefully—balancing depth, flexibility, and a competitive supporting cast without triggering luxury-tax penalties.
Legacy & Franchise Vision
By locking down Gilgeous‑Alexander, Phoenix demonstrates a shift toward sustained excellence, favoring long‑term stability over short‑term splashy moves. The Suns’ bloc of young talent—Booker, newly extended SGA, and emerging perimeter pieces—presents a compelling framework for future success.
If SGA delivers on his trajectory, he’ll join an elite list of players who achieved MVP, Finals MVP and scoring title in the same season—among them Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar (Wikipedia).
Is the Headline Accurate?
A critical note: despite the text above, all verified reporting sources confirm that Gilgeous‑Alexander signed this extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, not the Suns (Reuters). Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised SGA as a “basketball artist,” someone whose game continues to evolve in a repeatable and sustainable way (NBA).
If the intention was to frame this move as part of Phoenix’s assets, that remains speculative until a formal trade or sign-and-trade unfolds. As of now, the deal keeps him in Oklahoma City through 2031.
What Comes Next
- If the Suns intend to make this real, their front office must pursue a sign-and-trade with OKC, a legally complex but feasible route.
- For Oklahoma City, this signals long-term ambition; the Thunder now boast flexibility around a core featuring SGA, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and other rising stars.
From a league perspective, SGA has re-written the compensation benchmark. His contract may become a progenitor for future dominance-era deals under a rising salary cap regime driven by massive media rights revenues (Reddit, Reuters).
