The OKC Thunder may not be making a ton of moves this offseason, but the ones they are striking on have been absolutely perfect.
From the decision to take Thomas Sorber 15 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft to extending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a record-setting new contract, Sam Presti and company have been hard at work setting this Oklahoma City squad up for continued success following their recent title.
Ironically enough, however, perhaps one of the most impressive moves made so far this offseason involves a talent who, though perhaps not as splashy as the aforementioned ballers, may now very well serve as a leading reason why the Thunder can become the league's next great dynasty.
Structure of Ajay Mitchell's contract aids toward Thunder dynasty goal
Last week, it was made official that the Thunder and sophomore Ajay Mitchell had agreed on a new multi-year pact that will keep him in Oklahoma City through 2027-28.
Considering his impressive production throughout his rookie campaign, locking the 23-year-old's two-way services down at an $8.7 million clip over a three-season span should be viewed as an absolute steal on its own.
However, when looking at how his deal is actually structured, it appears that Oklahoma City's signing of Mitchell may be even better than most realize.
Per HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scotto, the guard's deal gradually descends over the years and is only fully guaranteed for the first season. Beyond 2025-26, the details of the contract include a partial guarantee for the 2026-27 season at $1.5 million, and an early opt-out built in for the 2027-28 season, where the Thunder hold the rights to a team-controlled option.
With the existence of the luxury tax and the uptick in tax apron problems around the league, it's imperative for any title-hopeful organization to keep its payroll under control.
Already this summer, we've seen the Boston Celtics be forced to offload several players who, not two years ago, played key roles in their championship run, out of fear for the league's looming penalties.
Since they've now signed Gilgeous-Alexander to a $285 million supermax this summer and have the lucrative negotiations for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren waiting on the horizon, it's painfully apparent that Oklahoma City's finances are about to rise exponentially over the next several seasons.
With this in mind, finding ways to flesh out the roster around the aforementioned star trio with quality contributors attached to cost-efficient contracts will be the key to avoiding a fate the Celtics are currently experiencing and, instead, becoming a multiple title-winning juggernaut.
Without a doubt, the way Presti arranged Mitchell's deal suggests the Thunder are already well ahead of the curve.