Thunder seal deals for Williams, Mitchell after championship
When Thunder confirmed two new multi‑year contracts on June 30, 2025, the city of Oklahoma City felt the after‑shock of a championship‑winning summer. The deals lock center/forward Jaylin Williams into a three‑year, $24 million pact and guard Ajay Mitchell into a three‑year, $8.7 million agreement, cementing the core that lifted the team to its first NBA title.
How the Thunder built a champion
Last season’s triumph didn’t happen by accident. Sam Presti, the franchise’s executive vice president and general manager since 2008, has spent the past decade scouting undervalued talent, from a lanky rookie named Chet Holmgren to the late‑round finds that now fill the bench. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the roster was a patchwork of players who had quietly exceeded expectations.
The championship itself unfolded at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025, where the Thunder edged the Indiana Pacers in a gritty six‑game series. 2025 NBA FinalsPaycom Center turned the city into a basketball cathedral, and the victory made Mitchell the second Belgian ever to hoist an NBA ring, after the late D.J. Mbenga.
The contract details
Williams’ old $2.1 million team option for the 2025‑26 season was declined, paving the way for a fresh three‑year deal that totals $24 million. The agreement, brokered by agents Marcus Monk and Sean Kennedy of Excel Sports Management, guarantees roughly $8 million per season and keeps the young big man under team control through the 2027‑28 campaign.
Mitchell’s situation was a bit more convoluted. Drafted 38th overall by the New York Knicks in June 2024, he landed in Oklahoma City after the Thunder swapped the pick for the 40th slot and a cash consideration. After a two‑way stint with the Oklahoma City Blue, the G‑League affiliate in Edmond, he earned a standard NBA contract on Feb. 6, 2025. The new three‑year, $8.7 million extension—negotiated by Todd Ramasar and Michael Simonetta of Life Sports Management Agency—includes a $3 million cap hit for the first year and mirrors the team’s philosophy of rewarding growth without blowing the luxury‑tax ceiling.
Performance in the title run
Williams, who missed the first two months of the 2024‑25 season with a hamstring strain, posted 5.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during the regular season. In the playoffs, he became a defensive anchor against the Denver Nuggets’ frontcourt, logging 12 minutes in Game 4 of the second round and contributing a key defensive stop that sparked Oklahoma City’s comeback.
Mitchell, meanwhile, saw limited action in the postseason—averaging 8 minutes across eight games—but made his presence felt with 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per outing. His regular‑season numbers were more robust: 6.5 points per game on 49.5% shooting from the field and a solid 38.0% from beyond the arc, proving he can stretch the floor when needed.
Reactions from the front office and fans
"We’re thrilled to keep both Jaylin and Ajay around," Presti said in a post‑game press conference. "They embody the kind of hard‑working, adaptable players we want as we look to defend our title." The comment resonated with fans who had watched both players grow from bench roles to reliable contributors.
On social media, Thunder supporters highlighted the contracts as a signal that the team isn’t chasing high‑priced free agents but rather doubling down on home‑grown talent. One fan tweeted, "It’s nice to see the front office rewarding the guys who earned their spots. Keeps the vibe real."
Financial savvy after the win
The Thunder’s salary‑cap situation remains comfortably below the luxury‑tax threshold, thanks in part to Presti’s disciplined approach. With Williams’ $8 million annual salary and Mitchell’s $3 million cap hit, the combined impact accounts for roughly 11% of the 2025‑26 cap, leaving ample room for strategic additions in free agency.
Analysts at "Thunderous Intentions" note that the contracts mirror earlier deals the club struck with Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort, both of whom became integral pieces after modest rookie deals. The pattern suggests the franchise will continue to scout and cultivate undervalued assets, a formula that paid dividends in the championship.
What’s next for Oklahoma City?
Looking ahead, the Thunder faces a roster decision on Chet Holmgren, whose health will dictate whether he returns as the centerpiece of the offense. Meanwhile, the team’s draft capital is limited after the trades that brought Mitchell to OKC, meaning the front office must be shrewd in free‑agency pursuits.
Mitchell will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2027‑28 season, at age 26, while Williams’ contract runs through the 2027‑28 campaign as well. If both continue to develop, Oklahoma City could have a core that remains competitive well into the next decade.
Background on the two players
Jaylin Williams grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was the 34th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After a modest rookie season, he refined his shooting touch and emerged as a stretch‑big capable of guarding multiple positions. His three‑point percentage jumped from 30.2% in 2022‑23 to 39.8% in the championship year.
Ajay Mitchell was born on June 25, 2002, in Ans, Belgium, to former professional player Barry Mitchell. He began his career with Limburg United before representing Belgium at the senior level at age 18. After the Knicks drafted him, the Thunder saw his potential as a combo guard who could run the offense and space the floor, a skill set that proved useful during their playoff push.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the new contracts affect the Thunder's salary cap?
Williams’ three‑year deal carries an $8 million annual salary, while Mitchell’s extension adds a $3 million cap hit for the first year. Together they consume about 11% of the 2025‑26 cap, keeping the Thunder comfortably below the luxury‑tax line and preserving flexibility for future signings.
What role did Mitchell play in the championship run?
Mitchell logged limited minutes in the playoffs—averaging eight per game—but contributed 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His ability to swing the ball and hit open threes added a valuable spark off the bench, especially in tight moments against the Pacers.
When will Williams and Mitchell become free agents?
Both players are under contract through the 2027‑28 season. Mitchell will hit unrestricted free agency after that season at age 26, while Williams’ deal also expires in 2028, giving the Thunder ample time to assess their long‑term fit.
What does this mean for the Thunder's strategy moving forward?
The extensions reinforce Sam Presti’s blueprint of building around affordable, high‑upside talent. By locking up Williams and Mitchell, Oklahoma City maintains roster continuity while staying under the luxury‑tax threshold, positioning the club to add complementary pieces via free agency or the draft.
How did the Thunder acquire Mitchell originally?
Mitchell was selected 38th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft, then traded to Oklahoma City for the 40th pick and an undisclosed cash sum. He signed a two‑way contract in July 2024 before earning a standard NBA deal in February 2025.