Behind SGA’s Give Up 100 million: The Rise and Hidden Explosions of the “Zero Tax Dynasty”

In the NBA world, every decision can cause an uproar, and the recent renewal of the Thunder and SGA is undoubtedly the most explosive news in the free market.

The Thunder renewed their contract with SGA for 285 million in four years, making him the first player in the league to have an annual salary of over 75 million, which is shocking enough. But what is even more unexpected is that SGA took the initiative to give up the 5-year 380 million super maximum salary that he could sign next summer and threw away nearly 100 million in vain. This amazing move is puzzling at first glance, but after careful consideration, it is a key link to the Thunder's "Dynasty Code". The 26-year-old SGA has been amazing in the 24-25 season. In the regular season, he averaged 32.7 points per game, contributed 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1 attacking spot, with a shooting percentage of 51.9%, easily winning the scoring leader. In the playoffs, he is even more majestic, averaging 29.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 23 games. With the glory of unanimous FMVP and the Western Conference Finals MVP, he became a legendary figure who won the points, MVP, championship, Western Conference Finals MVP and FMVP in a single season, just like Jordan, Jabbar and O'Neal. In the finals G7, he scored 29 points and 12 assists, and carried the Thunder like a magic needle to win the championship. In the playoffs, he broke through 20.4 times per game, ranking first in the league, was violated 6.6 times and averaging 9.4 free throws per game, which strongly hit back at questions that he said he was “referee-based.” With such performance, an annual salary of 78 million seems to be very worthwhile.

So, why did SGA give up this nearly 100 million contract? The answer lies in the Thunder’s salary structure. Next summer, the Thunder will face the issue of maximum salary renewals from Chett and Jaylen Williams. Chet is the team's hope for the future No. 5 position, while Jaylen Williams is the undisputed second leader, and he can still average 21.4 points per game with injury in the playoffs. If both of them get the maximum salary, Thunder's salary space will be overwhelmed. SGA’s early renewal saved the team about 5 million in cap space each year, leaving enough flexibility for Chet and Jaylen Williams’ renewal. His seemingly "stupid" behavior is actually a huge investment in Thunder's future. He bet on his salary cuts in exchange for Chett and Jaylen Williams' long stay, and the rookie bonus will allow the Thunder to remain competitive in the championship in the next five years.

Thunder's power is more than that. Last season, they became the first team to win the championship in nearly 10 years, and are only the sixth in NBA history. It’s no accident that Presti’s outstanding draft vision has created a young and dynamic roster for the team, with the average age of core players being only 24 years old. They also have a unique "mad dog-style" struggle culture, the "dog barking celebration" after the game, the cheers for the MVP, and the photos with their opponents after the game all show a kind of purity like a college team. Jaylen Williams still averaged 35 minutes per game with a torn right wrist ligament in the playoffs and scored 40 points in the finals. SGA gave up 100 million, and I believe Jaylen Williams and Chett will likely cut their salaries. This kind of locker room culture that "wins at any cost" is the Thunder's most precious wealth.

However, thunder is not without hidden dangers. Their team building idea of ​​"fighting backcourts to defend + superstar singles" may face challenges when the Rockets, Nuggets and other teams are now making up for the big centers to pursue their size advantage. If Thunder insists on "extreme mobility" and does not supplement the wing size, it is likely to be targeted by the opponent, just like the Warriors who fought to the death and cut and small defenders back then, their performance has declined now. However, the Thunder have taken action. The 206cm blue-collar center Sauber, selected this year, may replace Harten as the starter in the future, and the big organizational defender Topic is also under observation. The renewal of

SGA is the foundation of the Thunder's "Zero Tax Dynasty". When other teams are bound by super luxury tax, the Thunder are taking advantage of their smart draft, players' sacrifices and fighting culture to go lightly, subverting the traditional gameplay of the league. The 26-year-old SGA gave up 100 million and was betting on a glorious era for the Thunder, and the Thunder is also proving with actions that champions do not necessarily rely on spending money. The love of a group of people for the same goal is the real secret to winning the championship.