Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dropped His Agent

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a busy All Star break, as the 6-foot-6 guard parted ways with his representation. The news was first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes. 

Gilgeous-Alexander was previously represented by Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of the Wasserman Group. Going forward, he plans to represent himself in all on-court matters, according to Haynes, while keeping Simon Gebrelul of Isla Management for his off-court deals, which includes a shoe deal with Converse. 

The move raised eyebrows across the NBA and was applauded by some, including Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who tweeted, “Love it,” in response to the report. But could the decision turn into any sort of self-inflicted harm to the 26-year-old’s career? The majority of NBA players are represented by an agent, but there are times when players go solo. 

Joel Embiid represented himself on his last contract with the Sixers, and Clippers star James Harden went six years without a full-time agent after Rob Pelinka was hired as general manager of the Lakers in 2017. Pelinka was one of the NBA’s most prominent agents and represented Harden and Kobe Bryant among others before the Lakers hired him. 

When Brown declared for the NBA Draft in 2016, he elected to not be represented by an agent, and instead leaned on the National Basketball Player’s Association to help him with any salary negotiations. Brown was selected No. 3 overall by the Celtics and his rookie contract was basically locked in at four years and $21 million total because of the league’s collective bargaining agreement. In 2019 Brown hired agent Jason Glushon, his current representation, to help him negotiate a five-year max contract extension worth $304 million, which was the richest deal in NBA history at the time. 

Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision to go it alone comes at an interesting time. He’s on the short list of MVP candidates and he’s leading the NBA in scoring with 32.5 points per game. The Thunder are 44–10, which is tied for the best record in the NBA and has the team in first place in the Western Conference. He’s in the third year of a five-year, $180 million extension with the Thunder and is making nearly $36 million this season. This summer, he’s eligible to sign a four-year super max extension worth $293 million. 

David Falk, who represented Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, told Front Office Sports that because NBA contracts come with a predetermined wage scale, Gilgeous-Alexander is on the short list of players who don’t need representation when it comes to their contract.  

“If you’re LeBron, [Shai], Stephen Curry, a guy like that doesn’t need an agent to negotiate his contract,” said Falk, who is considered one of the most influential agents in league history. “I think Shai is terrific as one of the bright young stars in the league. To do his contract, he doesn’t need an agent. He’s going to get the max with his eyes closed.”

The NBPA caps agent fees for player contracts at 4%, which means Gilgeous-Alexander would keep nearly $12 million that would have gone to Wasserman if he signs the four-year, $293 million extension this summer. 

Falk said players like Gilgeous-Alexander do still need representation, but for reasons that go beyond contract talks. If Gilgeous-Alexander would ever want a trade out of Oklahoma City, an agent could facilitate a move better than a player representing himself—in addition to helping manage their career.