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OKC Thunder Make Roster Decision After Waiving Daniel Theis

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 5:33 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder made two major roster decisions on Thursday after the NBA trade deadline passed.

First, they decided to waive Daniel Theis . Of course, the Thunder acquired Theis and a 2031 second-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for cash considerations on Wednesday, but with the return of Chet Holmgren, they decided to waive Theis so that he could sign with another contender.

After waiving Theis, Oklahoma City had an open roster spot, which they used to sign one of their young stars to a guaranteed contract. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania , the Thunder are converting two-way guard Ajay Mitchell to a two-year, $6 million contract.

Mitchell was the 38th pick by the New York Knicks in the 2024 draft. New York then sent him to Thunder in exchange for Oso Ighodaro on draft night, and he had turned into a solid young role player for the Thunder.

Of course, Mitchell underwent a procedure to address a turf toe sprain in January, and the Thunder announced that he would be reevaluated in 10-12 weeks, which means that he should return ahead of Oklahoma City's playoff run.

This season, the 22-year-old is averaging 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. Before the injury, he was having a great season off the bench for the Thunder and had worked his way into their rotation.

With the Thunder now signing Mitchell to a two-year deal, it is clear that they see him as a key part of their future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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