Thunder already have perfect counter to rising salary cap concerns

The Oklahoma City Thunder have committed $123.8 million to three players—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren—pushing the team near the NBA's second apron threshold. However, Bleacher Report analyst Greg Swartz identified Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell as holding the fourth-best value contract in the entire league.

Mitchell established himself as a key contributor for Oklahoma City last season, averaging 13.6 points per game to rank fourth on the team. During 16 regular-season starts, he posted averages of 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while stepping up during injury absences.