Shai Gilgeous-Alexander May Change Mind About Future With OKC Thunder

Shai GIlgeous-Alexander is committed to staying with the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA team that is rebuilding.

However, the 24-year-old Canadian will miss the early part of the 2022-23 NBA season due to an injury.

The 11th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft is dealing with a sprained ligament in his left knee, something that will sideline him for a few weeks.

"I feel a lot better," Gilgeous-Alexander said during the Thunder's media day. "Headed in the right direction for sure. In terms of a timetable, we'll see."

At his age, the former Kentucky Wildcat has become the face of the franchise.

Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 24.5 points and 5.9 assists per game.

It would also be best to note that the 6-foot-6 guard will also begin his new contract, a $173.9 million, five-year deal that would run through 2027.

Gilgeous-Alexander reiterated that he knows what he signed for and remains committed to Oklahoma City.

"I know what I signed up for when I signed a five-year extension and I don't think we're gonna be losing for much longer," Gilgeous-Alexander stated as quoted by The Athletic.

However, things do not look promising for the Thunder – especially after the season-ending foot injury to Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.

With that said, Gilgeous-Alexander's patience with the Thunder's rebuilding phase could be fading.

One franchise reportedly keeping tabs on his situation is the Toronto Raptors.

According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports, the Raptors are more than willing to sit down with the 24-year-old player in the event he grows tired of leading the team's rebuilding efforts.

However, the Raptors are not the only team monitoring GIlgeous-Alexander's circumstances.

Another team who could join the fray is the New York Knicks.

After losing out in the Donovan Mitchell chase, Marc Berman of the New York Post claimed that one target for the Knicks could be the Canadian guard.

"Ironically, the Knicks passed on him in the 2018 draft, much like they whiffed on Mitchell in 2017. Gilgeous-Alexander could be a better fit with [Jalen] Brunson than Mitchell," Berman wrote.

Although the Raptors and the Knicks are interested, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown no indications of wanting out.

However, that could change if frustration takes its toll on the Canadian skipper.