The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a strategic move by signing Ajay Mitchell to a three-year, $9 million deal, opting out of his 2025-26 team option to secure long-term stability. Mitchell, drafted 38th overall in 2024, showcased promise last season with averages of 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 36 games, despite suffering a toe injury. The Thunder view his re-signing as crucial for maintaining their bench depth.

Mitchell fills a gap in the Thunder's roster, acting as a potential backup point guard alongside Jalen Williams and the newly drafted Nikola Topic. His ability to run the offense effectively makes him a key player for the upcoming season. While competition is expected, the Thunder's faith in Mitchell's work ethic and production could remedy their past half-court struggles, particularly in the absence of star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have reportedly signed Ajay Mitchell to a three-year deal valued at nearly $9 million. The contract comes after the Thunder opted to decline Mitchell's previous $3 million team option for the 2025-26 season. Selected as the No. 38 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the 23-year-old guard initially joined the Thunder on a two-way contract but earned a standard deal in February. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 16.6 minutes with impressive shooting efficiencies of 49.5% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line.

As the Thunder look forward to maintaining their championship core, they also agreed to a three-year, $24 million extension with backup big man Jaylin Williams. With this new commitment to Mitchell, the Thunder continue to build a competitive roster around standout players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured Ajay Mitchell with a three-year, $9 million contract, a move reflecting their ongoing strategy of optimizing roster depth while maintaining budget flexibility. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that this deal follows the Thunder's decision to decline Mitchell's $3 million team option for the 2025-26 season. This tactic has been a hallmark of the Thunder's management approach, particularly as they aim to keep key bench players under team-friendly agreements.

Mitchell, who was drafted 38th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a notable impact in his rookie season with averages of 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Initially positioned as the backup guard, a toe injury limited his playtime for nearly three months. However, the Thunder recognized his potential and transitioned him from a two-way player to a standard contract in light of his contributions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are positioning themselves as potential NBA dynasty contenders following their championship victory, with recent contract extensions for key players. Center Jaylin Williams secured a three-year, $24 million extension, while guard Ajay Mitchell signed a three-year deal worth nearly $9 million. All 15 players from the championship roster will remain under contract at least through the 2025-26 season, solidifying the team's core. Williams, despite limited minutes in the finals, averaged 5.9 points and 5.6 rebounds during the regular season. Mitchell, a second-round draft pick, contributed consistently with 6.5 points per game in his rookie season.

With starters like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams still on rookie contracts, plus reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heading into the fourth year of his five-year deal, the Thunder's financial flexibility remains intact. The successful retention of Williams enhances the team's depth and ensures they are prepared for future contract negotiations, particularly for their star players.

The New York Knicks are now the only team with a vacant head coach position following the Phoenix Suns' announcement of Jordan Ott as their new head coach. With a roster that just reached the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks' choice of coach is critical for their championship aspirations.

Among potential candidates, Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant has emerged as a leading option since he was passed over for the Suns job. Former Villanova coach Jay Wright, although a popular name, is reportedly not interested in the NBA. Current NBA coaches Ime Udoka and Jason Kidd have also been discussed, but Udoka's interview with the Knicks is hindered by Houston's disinterest in allowing it. Kidd, meanwhile, might find it possible to interview if Dallas permits it.

Other names in the mix include former coaches Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, and Jeff Van Gundy. The Knicks are reportedly interested in selecting someone with considerable experience, signaling their aim for a coach who can lead them beyond mere playoff contention. The Knicks are not in a rush, as they are comfortable waiting until July 10, the date of the Las Vegas Summer League, to finalize their decision.