{"id":709091,"date":"2026-04-12T16:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T16:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/709091\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T16:22:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T16:22:07","slug":"okc-thunder-make-shai-gilgeous-alexander-announcement-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/709091\/","title":{"rendered":"OKC Thunder Make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder sets up a shot during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 25, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> will host the Phoenix Suns<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Thunder are coming off a 127-107 loss to the Denver Nuggets<\/a> in Colorado.<\/p>\n

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> did not play in the game.<\/p>\n

OKC Thunder Make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Announcement\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Chicago Bulls<\/a> in the first half at the United Center on October 26, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.<\/p>\n

For Sunday\u2019s game, the Thunder have announced that they will remain without Gilgeous-Alexander.<\/p>\n

Underdog NBA wrote:<\/a> \u201cShai Gilgeous-Alexander (injury management) listed out for Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Miami Heat<\/a> during the second half at Kaseya Center on December 20, 2024 in Miami, Florida.<\/p>\n

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the regular season with outstanding averages of 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 55.3% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range in 68 games.<\/p>\n

He is in his eighth NBA<\/a> year (and seventh with the Thunder).<\/p>\n

The 2025 MVP has established himself as one of the best three players in the league.<\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania wrote (on July 1, 2025):<\/a> \u201cNBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million super maximum contract extension with the championship Oklahoma City Thunder through 2030-31, sources tell ESPN. This is now the richest annual salary for a player in league history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thunder This Season\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Washington Wizards<\/a> at Capital One Arena on March 21, 2026 in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n

The Thunder have had another excellent year as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 64-17 record in 81 games.<\/p>\n

They have won eight out of their last ten games (and are 34-6 at home).<\/p>\n

Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder wrote:<\/a> \u201cOKC players available vs the Suns Nikola Topic<\/a> Lu Dort Jared McCain<\/a> Aaron Wiggins<\/a> Kenrich Williams<\/a> \u2013 Branden Carlson<\/a> Brooks Barnhizer<\/a> Payton Sandfort<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyHead coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches as his team plays the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena on April 10, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n

The Thunder are coming off a year where they beat the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> and Indiana Pacers<\/a> to win their first title since moving to Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n

They will have an excellent chance to win their second title in a row.<\/p>\n

Suns Right Now\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyHead coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

The Suns are the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 44-37 record in 81 games.<\/p>\n

They are 5-5 over their last ten games (and 19-21 on the road).<\/p>\n

Last season, the Suns missed the 2025 NBA playoffs (despite a very talented roster).<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
\n
\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Thunder\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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