Last summer, the OKC Thunder and Aaron Wiggins agreed to terms on a lofty $47 million pact that would keep the wing in the Sooner State through at least 2028.
Right from the jump, this signing was viewed as a win for both parties, as it allowed the former second-round selection to receive a substantial salary increase while improving the odds of Oklahoma City achieving its dynastic aspirations.
11 months removed from putting pen to paper, Wiggins has continued to showcase why he was such a coveted re-sign by the organization last offseason, as he found himself having a career-best campaign in 2024-25 with averages of 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 assists while shooting 48.8 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from deep.
Now, following his performance on Monday night during the 2025 NBA Finals, the wing may have officially proved once and for all why he was worth every single penny spent on his lucrative five-year payday.
Aaron Wiggins played key role for Thunder in Game 5 win over Pacers
Throughout the playoffs, Wiggins has seen his usage rate fluctuate considerably, as he will see 26 minutes of action and hoist 15 shot attempts one night while registering under 10 minutes and two shots on another.
However, despite this inconsistency, the 26-year-old has remained locked in and ready to contribute when his number is finally called.
This was never more apparent than in Game 5.
After seeing just eight minutes three nights before, Wiggins was tasked with being used early and often in Monday's follow-up, more than doubling his Game 4 shots and point total in the first half alone.
Boasting a steady hand and even-keeled on-court demeanor despite the high-pressure environment, he would serve as the Thunder's most reliable weapon from long-range by hitting a team-high four triples to compliment his 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block performance.
A true spark plug off the pine, Wiggins helped reestablish second-unit supremacy over Indiana's recently surging squad, which, ultimately, played a major role in Oklahoma City claiming a commanding 120-109 win.
Following the contest, star Jalen Williams (40 points on 56.0 percent shooting from the floor and 60.0 percent shooting from deep) would go on to specifically praise Aaron Wiggins for dominating in what he referred to as a "very difficult" role on the team, saying that he may "sometimes not play, [then] play, and then come in and make shots and make big plays and play solid defense."
To say the fourth-year pro lived up to his new multi-year contract during Monday's Game 5 win would be a complete understatement. As a result, the Thunder are now one win away from taking home this year's Larry O'Brien Trophy.