OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made a bold move ahead of his looming supermax contract extension negotiations—he’s parting ways with his agent. The decision, which surfaced on Tuesday, signals the MVP frontrunner’s intent to handle his own contract discussions, a rare move in today’s NBA.
Following the announcement, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who signed the then-largest contract in NBA history last year, took to social media to support Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision. Brown, re-elected as vice president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), simply posted: “Love this.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is enjoying a career-best season, currently leads the NBA in scoring at 32.5 points per game through 53 outings. The Thunder (44-10) are also tied for the best record in the league heading into the All-Star break, further cementing his status as the frontrunner for MVP.
Despite still being under contract for two more seasons, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Gilgeous-Alexander will be eligible this summer for a four-year supermax extension worth nearly $300 million. If he inks the deal, the Thunder star could become the first NBA player to earn $80 million in a single season by 2030-31.
While some may view the decision to go without an agent as risky, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange suggests it is likely a strategic cost-cutting measure. Agent fees in the NBA can reach 3% of a contract’s total value, meaning Gilgeous-Alexander could save approximately $9 million on his upcoming supermax deal.
“Deal with OKC won’t be that complicated, and he’s keeping representation for marketing,” Grange reported.
This means that while he will handle his contract negotiations personally, he will still retain separate representation for off-court endorsements and sponsorships.
Brown’s endorsement of Gilgeous-Alexander’s move is significant, given his own history with contract negotiations. In 2023, the Celtics star became the NBA’s first $300 million player, signing a five-year, $303.7 million supermax extension with Boston.
As NBPA VP, Brown has been an advocate for player empowerment, and SGA’s move aligns with the growing trend of players taking more control over their careers—whether through financial decisions, contract negotiations, or endorsement deals.
While negotiating without an agent may not be the norm, Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite status virtually guarantees that the Thunder will offer him the maximum possible deal regardless. With Oklahoma City emerging as a legitimate title contender, locking up their franchise star is a mere formality.
For now, the MVP favourite remains focused on leading the Thunder to a deep playoff run. But come summer, he’s set to secure one of the richest deals in NBA history—all while keeping more of it in his pocket.
