What are Shai-Gilgeous Alexander's contract details for 2022-23 NBA season? All you need to know

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander signed a 5-year max contract extension worth $179.29 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's insane if you think about it, considering that Alexander isn't even an All-Star yet.

His performances in his first three seasons with the club proved that he can be one of the league's top players. Plus, the fact that he's committed to the team, it's no wonder OKC made the offer.

According to Spotrac, the young guard's contract will last until 2027. For this upcoming season, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is guaranteed $30.9 million. His base salary will continuously rise over the next four seasons. But what exactly did Alexander prove to have earned the max contract deal with OKC?

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Shai-Gilgeous Alexander shines in OKC

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander was the 11th pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He was initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets but was then traded immediately to the LA Clippers. Alexander spent his rookie season in LA and saw significant playing time while putting up decent figures.

He played in all 82 games and averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.

Alexander wasn't necessarily the best rookie out there, but he was definitely one of the elite. He made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019. After his rookie season concluded, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where the league witnessed his true potential.

During his first season with OKC, we saw how effective Alexander was on both sides of the court. He can telegraph his opponent's passes and create fast break opportunities for himself. He's a crafty player who knows how to slither his way through defenders. Alexander isn't afraid to take a big shot and never backs down despite being in a mismatch situation.

He immediately bumped up his figures when he made his arrival in Oklahoma. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander averaged 19 points, 3.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in the 2019-20 season. After his first season with OKC concluded, Alexander erupted in the next couple of seasons and became the team's go-to scorer. It was the first time we've seen him score 20+ points per game.

In the 2020-21 season, Alexander put up 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in the only 35 games he played. He managed to top his scoring average again the following season. Alexander had 24.5 points, 5.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. The majority of his stat averages in the 2021-22 season are currently his all-time highs. It's possible he might top those numbers again.

Unfortunately, we don't know what the future holds for Shai-Gilgeous Alexander coming into this season. Alexander suffered an MCL injury over the summer before training camp even commenced. As of right now, the organization is having their star player re-evaluated to see if he can be medically cleared to play. Sadly, OKC can't guarantee his presence in NBA Opening Night.

The good news is, it's most likely Alexander will make his return earlier on in the season. The Thunder just need to hold their ground during the absence of their star player.