The NBA trade deadline may have already passed but the OKC Thunder still find themselves being quite active when it comes to restructuring their talent pool for the long haul.
Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Oklahoma City has opted to sign rookie Ajay Mitchell to a multi-year contract. As relayed to him by Mitchell's agents, the converted contract comes in the form of a two-year, $6 million pact.
Thunder convert two-way guard Ajay Mitchell to a standard contract
This move comes soon after the departure of big man Daniel Theis, who was initially acquired via trade with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, though was waived mere minutes after Thursday's deadline.
His departure cleared up a roster spot on the Thunder, which, in turn, helped lead to Mitchell's contract conversion.
Originally attached to a two-way deal, the 38 overall selection from this past June's NBA Draft has impressed both his coaches and teammates with his surprise on-court production.
Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has even gone on record to praise the first-year guard for his play, saying that he "plays basketball the right way" and describing the youngster as a "special" player.
In 34 games played with the Thunder, Mitchell has proven himself to be quite a difference-maker.
Thanks to his impressive ball-handling skills, clean shooting stroke, and trusty defensive chops the 22-year-old established himself quite early into his tenure as a regular within coach Mark Daigneault's rotation and is boasting season averages of 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 16.5 minutes a night while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and 43.1 percent shooting from deep.
Among his first year peers, Mitchell ranks first in three-point percentage and defensive rating (100.0) while placing second in net rating (9.1) out of those who have played in 30 or more games in 2024-25.
Unfortunately, the rookie has been sidelined with a right great toe sprain since January 3 and, based on original, post-surgery projections he's expected to remain out until mid-April.
Fortunately, thanks to their league-leading 40-9 record and the impending return of star big man Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City seems well-positioned to remain patient until he's medically cleared.
His return to the rotation will serve as a major boon to the club's second unit, particularly on the offensive end as they rank just 19 in points per game and and three-point percentage.
This decision by the Thunder to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal almost certainly takes them out of the buyout market as well, as the guard now fills in the 15 and final spot on the team's roster.