And finally, we have a winner. After weeks of building impatience, the NBA has officially named its 2024–25 MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The announcement finally cut through the radio silence that had fans, media, and even ESPN’s Harrison Sanford scratching their heads over what the holdup was. But someone else called it first. While Shai might’ve just claimed the league’s top honor, his biggest believer already saw it coming. Now, with Shai taking the crown, everything shifts. 

“Finally, you got it. You deserve it. Like I said, be you, stay focused, and everything else will work out. You’re definitely on your way to being one of the best to ever play the game. And now, another thing checked off your list,” the newly-crowned MVP’s mother said in a heartfelt message that quickly caught fire online. But she didn’t stop there…

“This is why your whole life has been consistent. Be careful and continue to dominate and be the best leader on and off the court. The world finally gets to see you the way I’ve always seen you. You know how much I love you. I’m so, so, so proud of you. Well deserved. Love you.” Yes. We’re all going teary-eyed right now. That moment alone made it clear: sometimes, the most meaningful MVP speeches come off-camera.

And while all our hearts are full already, wallets are about to get heavier. If you’re wondering what this means for his future, get this. With the MVP secured, Shai becomes eligible to sign the largest contract extension in NBA history in the summer of 2026: a projected five-year, $379.8 million deal. That’s $65.5M in 2027–28, climbing all the way to $86.5M by the 2031–32 season. A max bag for a max-caliber star.

This isn’t just generational wealth. It’s generational dominance. And it’s more than deserved. What makes this potential contract a monumental milestone isn’t just the numbers—it’s what it means for Shai’s curve. The deal would place him in a historic bracket of NBA earners and cement his role as the face of the franchise and one of the league’s cornerstone stars. With OKC’s core still developing and cap flexibility intact, this extension could lock in a contender for years, built around a player who’s proven he’s ready to carry that weight.

Because Shai’s been that guy all season long. And in the playoffs? Even better—29.2 points, 6.6 assists, 5.8 boards across 12 games. He’s led OKC right into the heart of the West, and he’s done it with ice in his veins.

The league made it official, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 blowout vs the Nuggets said it louder

But let’s be fair, this wasn’t an easy call. Nikola Jokić made sure of that. With monstrous numbers of his own and a playoff presence that’s impossible to ignore, at times, it felt like we were splitting atoms to pick between them. The line was that thin. And then came Game 7. Thunder 125, Nuggets 93.

No mercy. No debate. And certainly no questions left. Shai didn’t just edge Jokic out—he sent him home with a statement win that made the MVP feel less like a race and more like a formality. In game 7 vs the Nuggets, Shai smashed 35 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. God level play, honestly. And although the league made it official today, the message was delivered on the court days ago, very clearly.

Now, OKC adds a third MVP to its resume. Kevin Durant in 2014 when he scored a career-high 32 points, 5.5 assists and 7.4 rebounds, Russell Westbrook in 2017 with career averages of 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2025. Each era had its signature star, but Shai’s MVP arrives with a different kind of momentum—OKC isn’t just celebrating individual brilliance, they’re chasing something bigger. Only this time, the Thunder aren’t looking back. 

With Shai wiping out the competition one round at a time, his legacy and this playoff run might just be getting started. The MVP is official. The contract is coming. And the Thunder? They’re still rolling. Watch this space for more such material, folks. The story is only getting started, and the world of basketball never stops giving!