Sun Jun 29 21:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information:
**Thunder Lock Up Promising Rookie Ajay Mitchell With New Three-Year Deal**
**OKLAHOMA CITY, OK** – The Oklahoma City Thunder are showing their faith in rookie guard Ajay Mitchell, declining their 2025/26 team option and instead signing him to a new three-year, $9 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The new deal, which replaces the existing $3 million option for the 2025/26 season, includes a player option for the third year.
Mitchell, the 38th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, initially signed a two-way contract with the Thunder. He quickly impressed, earning valuable rotation minutes in the first half of the season. He averaged 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 16.6 minutes per game, displaying impressive shooting efficiency with a .495/.383/.829 shooting split across 36 appearances.
However, a turf toe injury in January sidelined Mitchell for over three months, derailing his momentum. He returned near the end of the regular season and played a limited role in the Thunder’s championship run.
The Thunder’s commitment to Mitchell follows their recent three-year extension with Jaylin Williams. With this move, Oklahoma City is set to return 14 of the 15 players from their championship-winning roster next season, pending the finalization of Mitchell’s contract.
While further roster moves are possible, it appears the Thunder’s biggest change this offseason will be replacing Dillon Jones with Thomas Sorber, a projected first-round pick in the 2025 draft. The Thunder are clearly aiming to maintain the core of their championship team and build for sustained success.
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