$47 million Thunder decision grows more exciting with every passing day

After becoming the youngest team in league history to claim a number one seed in a conference standings, the OKC Thunder have gone about and become one of the more active organizations during this summer's free agency period.

From executing splashy trades to strengthen their backcourt to free agency acquisitions that helped solidify a lackluster big-man rotation, Sam Presti and company have been quite busy this offseason as they look to better position themselves for a title run during the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

Though many people's opinions may differ regarding which moves made by the front office are deserving of their highest praise and draw in the most excitement, it appears that, at least as far as media pundits are concerned, the extension of Aaron Wiggins has arguably been the most buzzed-about happening thus far.

After having his $1.98 million option declined for this coming season, Wiggins became a restricted free agent back in July, though his services were quickly re-upped with by the Thunder to the tune of a five-year, $47 million deal.

Immediately, the contract details were praised by fans and experts alike, with some going as far as to label it one of the most impressive moves of the entire summer.

And while some may have expected the jubilant reactions to wither with time, over a month later we find the 25-year-old to still be receiving ample praise within league-related circles, with Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes going as far as to label him Oklahoma City's "best kept secret" heading into the new season.

Aaron Wiggins labeled 'best kept secret' on Thunder roster

Citing his continuously improving offensive game despite seeing a steady decline in minutes accompanied by his stellar defensive acumen that saw him post a 95th percentile steal rate and grade out "as a positive by D-EPM" in 2023-24, Hughes stressed in his latest piece that Wiggins is a vital component to this Thunder rotation, and even deemed him "one of the best rotation guards nobody knows about."

Fresh off his third year in the association, the former 55 overall selection put forth easily his most impactful season to date where he posted 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 56.2 percent shooting from the floor and 49.2 percent shooting from distance all while registering a career-high box plus-minus.

From his elite rim pressure abilities that saw him rank in the 94th percentile at his position in shot attempts within four feet in 2023-24 to his high-end shooting efficiency off the pass (roughly 83 percent of his made shots came off such plays last year), Wiggins is not only one of the most under-the-radar players on this promising Thunder team but, on a larger scale, in the entire league.

OKC's decision to lock him down for the next several years to come is something that, at least at the moment, seems to be aging like fine wine.