Oklahoma City Thunder faces contract dilemma over guard Ajay Mitchell

Second‑year guard Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a key offensive player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 57 regular‑season games and becoming the team's second‑leading scorer in the postseason with 15.1 points per game. Under his rookie contract, Mitchell will earn a base salary of $2.85 million in the 2026‑27 season, with a team option for the same amount in 2027‑28 before becoming a free agent in 2028.

The Thunder must decide whether to retain Mitchell on a team‑friendly deal or commit significantly more money to keep the rising guard, especially as the roster changes with Lu Dort’s departure and Cason Wallace likely moving into a starting role. General manager Sam Presti and the organization are weighing the financial implications against Mitchell’s projected leap to a full‑time starter alongside Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Jalen Williams.