During 2022 media day, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot down any trade speculation when asked about it.
“Honestly, I don’t pay attention to like the NBA media stuff and what gets tweeted and what circulates around the web,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Try to stay focused with what I’ve got going on, me getting better, the guys that are on the team. Just try and just be a better team next season, a better player next season.”
This was arguably the biggest storyline heading into media day for the Thunder because Gilgeous-Alexander has been mentioned in multiple trade scenarios over the last several weeks.
Gilgeous-Alexander is entering the first year of a five-year, $172 million deal. At 24 years old, he is on the cusp of entering his prime. The thought process behind speculation Gilgeous-Alexander will want out is based on the theory that he will not want to spend his prime years on a rebuilding team.
It looks like that’s not the case as Gilgeous-Alexander said he does not pay attention to that talk and instead focuses on being better.
Update: Just to seal the deal, here’s Gilgeous-Alexander saying he signed his five-year deal for a reason an interview with The Athletic’s Andrew Schlecht:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the speculation that he would want out of Oklahoma City
"I know what I signed up for when I signed a 5 year extension… and I don't think we're gonna be losing for much longer."
"I believe in this team" pic.twitter.com/5Un4Hsb92f
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) September 26, 2022
