Why is Ajay Mitchell on such a cheap contract for the Thunder?
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has become one of the most impactful players in the NBA postseason, especially with Jalen Williams injured. Mitchell, a former Big West Player of the Year who was selected at No. 38 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has stepped up massively during the playoffs.
Oklahoma City has outscored opponents by 136 points during the postseason, which is the highest of any player in the Western Conference. The former UC Santa Barbara standout has averaged 21. 1 points per game over his last six appearances since Jalen Williams was injured and he moved into the starting lineup.
Ajay Mitchell contract history When he was selected in the second round, Mitchell signed a two-way deal with the Thunder in 2024. However, after outperforming his contract, he signed a rest-of-season, two-year contract worth $6 million in February 2025. He then became a restricted free agent in June 2025.
The following month, he signed a 3-year deal worth $8. 7 million to stay with Oklahoma City. That means he earned $3 million (1.
94 percent of the cap) in 2025-26. His deal is deescalating, too, which means it will drop to $2. 85 million for next season.