Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dad explains why he doesn’t see his son leaving the Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the league’s top stars during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, one can’t help but think that he may consider going back home when he winds down his NBA career in a few years.

The Toronto Raptors have been floated as a potential next destination for Gilgeous-Alexander down the line, since he’s Canadian. However, according to his dad, Vaughn, he believes his son will likely stay with the Thunder for the rest of his career instead of seeking to go home.

“You get what I’m saying? As opposed to being somewhere where there’s nightlife, this and that, we’re in Toronto (and people are) going to ask us for tickets – give me this, give me that s–t… Shai’s perfect where he is in OKC. I don’t think he’ll ever leave unless politics or something happens,” Gilgeous-Alexander’s father said on the No Flukes podcast.

After leading the Thunder to the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension to stay until 2030-31. The earliest he can become a free agent is when he’ll be 32 years old.

May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) in the fourth quarter during game seven of the Western Conference Finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder failed to defend their NBA championship this past season after losing to the San Antonio Spurs during the Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to carry the heavy load in that series, especially with Jalen Williams injured and Chet Holmgren shrinking under pressure.

Gilgeous-Alexander just won his second consecutive league MVP award after averaging 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals on 55.3 percent shooting from the field across 68 regular-season appearances.

The Thunder will look drastically different in the 2026-27 season, as they’ve let go of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins. General manager Sam Presti recently admitted that they made these moves to get out of the punitive second apron.