History always seems to repeat itself. For the OKC Thunder, this prophecy is found in the form of rookie guard Ajay Mitchell.
The 38th pick of the 2024 draft has been a pleasant surprise to Oklahoma City fans so far. Mitchell is averaging 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and just shy of a steal per game on 41.4 percent three-point shooting.
Like many second-round picks, Mitchell was signed to a one-year, two-way deal in the offseason, meaning that unless extended he'll enter restricted free agency following the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
While the Thunder will have the right to match any offer Mitchell receives, he could be outpriced by interested clubs depending on his level of play during the remainder of the season.
Fortunately, this isn't a situation General Manager Sam Presti hasn't seen before.
Thunder could handle Ajay Mitchell's finances similar to Aaron Wiggins
Back during the 2021-22 season, second-round pick turned rotation player Aaron Wiggins was over-performing many statistical expectations. Like Mitchell currently is, Wiggins was on a one-year contract and was set for restricted free agency after the season's end.
Realizing that he was going to be due for a sizable contract if these numbers kept up, Presti and co. took a chance and extended the wing early.
In February of 2022, Wiggins agreed to a three-year extension worth $6.3 million, with a team option on the final year. It was a low-risk, high-reward deal for the Thunder.
If Wiggins panned out (which he ultimately did), they locked down a high-level role player making close to the minimum salary. If his production slowed, he would have been an end-of-bench player making close to minimum.
Presti now has the chance to capitalize on Ajay Mitchell's early season play in a similar vein and extend him to a cheap deal while the opportunity is still available. However. there are a couple of hurdles that need to be leaped over before Mitchell can be locked in.
First off, the Thunder currently have a full roster, meaning somebody would need to be let go to make room for Mitchell. As things currently stand, the rookie is on a two-way contract, so he can only spend up to 50 days with the varsity team before returning to their G-League affiliate, the OKC Blue.
A move needs to be made fast to make room for Mitchell on the main roster. The top candidate for being moved would likely be center Branden Carlson, who will likely be cut following the return of Jaylin Williams anyway.
Another question being posed is what Mitchell's role with the team is long-term, and if he's worth an extension.
While Mitchell has successfully operated as a lead backup guard this season, he's also shown an ability to play alongside primary ball handlers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
His versatility on the offensive end is important for long-term success, as Oklahoma City drafted ball-dominant point guard Nikola Topic with the 12th pick in the 2024 draft. Mitchell's ability to play with or without the rock in his hand could prove to be crucial when running alongside his fellow rookie counterpart.
Mitchell has the ability to help the Thunder contend right now, as well as become a future staple in the rotation. But it all relies on how the organization handles his looming extension.