Thunder Convert Ajay Mitchell’s Contract & Make Room For Branden Carlson

The Oklahoma City Thunder are converting two-way guard Ajay Mitchell to a two-year, $6 million contract. He initially signed a two-way deal in July.

Mitchell quickly established himself as a key part of head coach Mark Daigneault‘s rotation for the Thunder. Through 34 games, he has scored 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Among rookies, he is one of just two, shooting at least 50% from the field and 40% from three. However, a turf toe injury that required surgery has kept him out for the past month.

His procedure was disclosed on Jan. 10, with a re-evaluation scheduled around late March or early April.

Oklahoma City freed up the 15th roster spot after waiving Daniel Theis, whom they had acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a salary dump.

Mitchell’s contract conversion completes the Thunder’s roster. If he hadn’t been converted, he would have been unable to play in the postseason.

Oklahoma City has frequently converted two-way players in recent years, and Mitchell is the latest to benefit. He now joins Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins, who signed a five-year $47 million deal last summer after being the 55th pick in the 2021 draft.

By securing Mitchell’s contract, the Thunder allowed rookie center Branden Carlson to re-sign on a two-way deal. He first joined the team in November, filling the team’s final roster spot before being waived ahead of his contract becoming guaranteed.

The Thunder brought him back on consecutive 10-day contracts, with his final deal expiring after Oklahoma City’s Jan. 29 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Carlson has made at least one three-pointer in each of his last eight games. Through 5 total games with the Thunder this season, he’s putting up 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from three.