Thunder Sign Ajay Mitchell to 3-Year Deal, Eye Expanded Role

Thunder Sign Ajay Mitchell to 3-Year Deal, Eye Expanded Role

When Ajay Mitchell, a 23‑year‑old guard with a Belgian‑American pedigree, inked a three‑year, $8.7 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 6, 2025, the league took note of a young talent who just helped win a title.

The deal, confirmed by Life Sports Agency on June 30, 2025, not only secures Mitchell’s salary through the 2027‑28 season but also signals the Thunder’s intent to broaden his responsibilities in what could be a pivotal year for a franchise still riding the high of its first NBA championship.

How Mitchell Got Here

The journey began on June 27, 2024, when the New York Knicks selected Mitchell at #38 in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Minutes later, the Knicks traded his rights to Oklahoma City for the #40 pick and cash considerations—a move that fit the Thunder’s reputation for spotting undervalued talent.

After signing a two‑way contract on July 6, 2024, Mitchell spent his rookie season shuttling between the Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue of the G‑League. A turf‑toe surgery in January 2025 sidelined him for roughly ten weeks, but he returned to contribute off the bench during the Thunder’s playoff run.

The New Contract Details

Under the agreement, Mitchell will earn $3 million in the 2025‑26 season with a matching $3 million cap hit. The remaining two years are set at $2.35 million each, making the total $8.7 million over three seasons. The contract also includes a modest performance bonus structure tied to minutes played and playoff appearances.

• 2025‑26: $3 million salary, $3 million cap hit
• 2026‑27: $2.35 million salary
• 2027‑28: $2.35 million salary
• Team‑player option: None – Mitchell becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2027‑28 season

The negotiation was led by Todd Ramasar, CEO of Life Sports Agency, alongside agent Mike Simonetta. Both emphasized that the deal “reflects the Thunder’s confidence in Ajay’s upside while keeping us flexible for future free‑agency decisions.”

What the Numbers Say

During his rookie campaign, Mitchell appeared in 36 regular‑season games, averaging 6.5 points on 49.5 % shooting and 38 % from three‑point range. In the postseason, his minutes dipped to 8.0 per game, but his efficiency rose to 53.6 % from the field and 45.5 % from beyond the arc.

Those percentages are impressive for a second‑round pick. For comparison, fellow 2024 draftee Luguentz Dort posted a 41.2 % field‑goal rate in his first year, while Aaron Wiggins, another Thunder find, shot 44.7 % from three. Mitchell’s shooting splatter suggests he could stretch the floor as the Thunder look to diversify their offensive sets.

Reactions from the Front Office and Teammates

Thunder General Manager Sam Presti praised the guard’s work ethic, saying, “Ajay brings a mix of international experience and a gritty Midwest hustle that fits our culture. We see him taking on more ball‑handling duties next season.”

Teammate Jaylin Williams, who signed a parallel three‑year, $24 million extension, added, “We’ve been pushing each other in practice. Ajay’s confidence has grown, and that’s going to translate to the floor.”

Even the coaching staff is optimistic. Assistant coach Mike Budenholzer hinted, “We’ll likely see him in the second unit more often, especially in pick‑and‑roll situations where his shooting can open lanes for our big men.”

Implications for Oklahoma City’s Future

The Thunder’s championship run on June 22, 2025 – recorded as the 2025 NBA ChampionshipOklahoma City, Oklahoma – gave the young roster a confidence boost. With a salary‑cap situation that still leaves room under the luxury‑tax threshold, the three‑year, $8.7 million commitment is modest compared to league averages for comparable talent.

Analysts predict that if Mitchell can increase his minutes to the mid‑teens and maintain his shooting percentages, his value could skyrocket, making him a trade chip or, more likely, a core piece when the Thunder enter the next free‑agency cycle in 2028.

Background: Thunder’s Talent Strategy

Since relocating from Seattle in 2008, the Thunder have built a reputation for extracting value from second‑round picks and undrafted players. The franchise’s “Moneyball‑ish” philosophy – pioneered by Presti and reinforced by savvy agents like Ramasar and Simonetta – has yielded players such as Dort, Wiggins, and now Mitchell.

That approach dovetails with the organization’s use of its G‑League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, based in Edmond, Oklahoma, as a developmental incubator. Mitchell spent significant time there in 2024‑25, honing his decision‑making against seasoned professionals.

With the championship banner already hanging at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, the Thunder are poised to transition from a surprise title contender to a sustained playoff franchise. Mitchell’s new deal is a small yet symbolic piece of that larger puzzle.