The Oklahoma City Thunder already had to trade three talented role players to cut their spending, and Ajay Mitchell’s breakout only makes those problems worse. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s salary jumps from $40.8 million to $60.6 million in the 2027-28 season. Cason Wallace also needs a new contract, and OKC is already projected to be over the second apron. That leaves them with more difficult decisions to make, including one on Mitchell.
The 24-year-old is fresh off a breakout season. Mitchell proved he can not only be a talented role player, but can also scale up his production when necessary. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in his 16 starts. The 6’4 guard shot 49.4 percent from the field, 41.7 percent on his 3-point attempts, and 87.5 percent on his free throws as a starter. He will soon be looking for a bigger role and making a lot more money.
Mitchell is set to make just $2.8 million this season and has a $2.8 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign. The Thunder have options in how to pay him (subscription required), but finding the money without blowing significantly past the second apron is a problem. Those issues get worse if OKC plans on paying Wallace and keeping their Big 3 together.
Ajay Mitchell’s breakout added to Thunder’s spending problems
Oklahoma City must quickly determine their commitment level to keeping Mitchell. They could keep him on an absolute bargain for the next two years, but he would be an unrestricted free agent in 2028. With the Thunder already trimming pieces because of financial concerns, they’d likely lose him in free agency.
OKC could decline his team option next summer to make him a restricted free agent or try to extend him up to the average salary, but both of those options mean spending even more in 2027-28.
No team wants to lose a young guard who is showing chops as a two-way force. Mitchell fits Presti’s mold. He can score, dribble, pass, shoot, and defend. The 24-year-old has already become a key piece for OKC, and he’s just getting started.
Mitchell clearly understands the NBA is a business. He has to decide how much he values maximizing his earnings versus staying with the Thunder. OKC has three max players on their roster. They can’t pay everyone, especially in the second apron era.
Mitchell’s future will be determined by Sam Presti. The Thunder’s boss must keep replenishing the roster through the draft. The general manager is a master roster builder. Will keep the team in contention, but what pieces he lets go will be determined by his draft picks.
Mitchell’s production has already far exceeded his current contract. The second-round draft pick was an incredible find by Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He looks like he could become a star and will only make the franchise’s spending problems worse. Mitchell will soon be asking for $20-plus million per year. The Thunder will need to keep trimming contracts off their books to make the math work. It will be painful, and things got even worse the moment Mitchell broke out.
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