For the seventh consecutive NBA season, an international player has taken home the MVP trophy.
As announced on Wednesday by insider Shams Charania, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the league's MVP over both Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and last year's winner Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
The 26-year-old out of Kentucky, who was acquired by the Thunder in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, led the league in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game. He also led the Thunder to an impressive 68-14 record during the regular season, the fifth-best record in league history.
Not only is this a major honor for Gilgeous-Alexander, but it can also lead to a big payday, according to ESPN insider Bobby Marks. As shared to X, since Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP, he is eligible for a five-year $380 million extension.
"Because he won MVP (and this would have applied to being named All-NBA this year), SGA is now eligible to sign a five-year $380M extension but would have to wait until the 2026 offseason," wrote Marks.
Before winning the MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander was eligible for a four-year deal worth $293 million, meaning the award essentially led to him earning an additional $87 million.
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).
© Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Joining both Russell Westbrook (2016) and Kevin Durant (2014), Gilgeous-Alexander is the third Thunder player to win the MVP award. Despite all of the elite talent that has come out of Kentucky's program, he is also the first former Wildcat to win the award, according to CBS Sports.
By winning the award, he snatches it away from Jokic, who not only would have had four MVPs if he were to win, but would have also been the second time that he won the award back-to-back.
While winning a personal award is great, Gilgeous-Alexander is likely more focused on winning the Western Conference finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder will look to go up 2-0 on Thursday, as Game 2 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.