Amidst the Possibility of $80,000,000/year Payday, Luka Doncic Praises 25YO Superstar Who Could Be NBA’s 1st $400,000,000 Contractee

The NBA continues to expand its global footprint with each passing season. In recent years, it has successfully attracted international talents like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo to assemble the most gifted players worldwide. Consequently, the league has extended its influence into multiple countries, solidifying its position on an upward trajectory. Alongside this growth, the NBA’s finances will increase, leading to a higher salary cap and luxury tax threshold.

As the salary cap increases, more maximum-value contracts will benefit players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His recent performance to help Team Canada reach the FIBA 2023 World Cup semifinals earned him praise from Luka Doncic. This further contributed to his attaining the first-ever $400 million contract.

Luka Doncic has high praise for Shai

Following the highly anticipated FIBA World Cup quarter-final showdown, Luka Doncic highly regarded his NBA counterpart, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The arena for the Canada vs Slovenia match buzzed with excitement as all tickets sold out, with fans eager to witness Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander go head-to-head.

After Canada emerged victorious, defeating Slovenia 100-89 in the quarter-finals, Doncic lauded SGA as “one of the best players in the world.”

SGA put up 25 points, shooting 8/12 from the field. He also added 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic had 26 points on 8/20 shooting with four rebounds and five assists. However, Luka’s impact was limited. He was ejected early in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls.

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Canada will now set to face Serbia for a spot in the final. On the other hand, Slovenia will compete in classification games for positions fifth through eighth, with the next matchup against Lithuania. 

CBS predicts Shai to have the first ever $400 million contract

Even before his FIBA dominance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned recognition as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. This recognition is underscored by the fact that he received a maximum contract extension before earning an All-Star nod.

Recently, Shai showcased his best season to date, hinting at even more lucrative offers shortly. He showcased an average of 31.4 points and 5.5 assists while shooting an outstanding 51% from the field. It’s well-known that teams seek MVP-caliber candidates to make championship runs, and fortunately for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have a homegrown talent who fits the bill.

Shai signed a five-year extension with the team in 2021, valued at $179.3 million. It offers incentives to push it even higher should he achieve all-NBA-level performance. If SGA continues to deliver superstar-level performances, OKC will undoubtedly aim to secure his services with a new contract.

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If everything unfolds as planned, Shai has the potential to redefine the NBA’s contract landscape. He can easily surpass Jaylen Brown and his massive $300 million deal with the Boston Celtics.