The 2025 NBA trade deadline has officially come to pass and, surprisingly, the OKC Thunder were somewhat active leading up to Thursday's 3 p.m. (ET) cut-off.
During the final days heading into February 6, Oklahoma City took part in two individual deals. The first was a swap of picks with the Charlotte Hornets, while the second saw the franchise land both Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-rounder from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for mere salary relief.
Initially, questions concerning what the veteran big man's fate would be out in the Sooner State began to circulate, as there seemed to be plenty of pros and cons to keeping him in tow. However, just minutes after the trade deadline came about Michael Scotto of HoopsHype broke the news that the Thunder had decided to ultimately waive Theis.
While such a move is by no means earth-shattering, as the journeyman center was playing on an expiring one-year, $2.1 million deal, his departure could very well have a significant impact on OKC's roster moving forward as it now opens the door for Sam Presti to sign Ajay Mitchell to a long-term deal.
Thunder could sign Ajay Mitchell long-term after waiving Daniel Theis
Before going down with a turf toe injury back in early January, the combo guard was turning heads with his impressive on-court production.
Through 34 games played the second-round pick was seen leading all rookies who had played in over 30 games in three-point percentage (43.1), defensive rating (100.0), and overall net rating (9.1) while averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.1 steals on 50.7 percent shooting per 100 possessions.
Mitchell's in-game production regularly drew praise from both his Thunder coaches and teammates, with superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going as far as to say that he "plays basketball the right way" and that his game is truly "special."
Without question, before being sidelined, the spark plug rookie was well on his way toward earning a spot in All-Star Weekend's Rising Stars Challenge and was easily outplaying his two-way contract.
Considering he was already 16 games away from reaching his deal's allotted 50 games of eligibility, there was a popular belief that the Thunder could realistically look to convert his contract to a standard deal with the franchise to not only have him continue contributing within the rotation throughout this season and, hopefully, into the playoffs but for the next several years to come.
Now, with Theis' departure from the team, Presti and company have officially created an open roster spot that they can use to convert Ajay Mitchell.
Hopefully they take full advantage!