Photo credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Thunder Free Agents

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Kenny Kluska | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 8:00 AM ET

It was an incredible regular season for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024-25. They finished with the best point differential in NBA history, outscoring their opponents by 12.87 points per contest. Only four teams ever finished with more than the Thunder’s 68 victories. They had 16 more wins than any other team in the Western Conference during the regular season.

With that level of success, it was certainly championship or bust for OKC. They defeated to the Indiana Pacers in seven games in the NBA Finals after entering the series as heavy favorites. This was their first title since moving to Oklahoma City, and they will likely enter next season as the favorite to repeat. Now it’s time for OKC to focus on the offseason as they look to build off their championship season in 2025-26. Let’s predict if the Thunder’s key free agents stay or move on to another team this offseason. Admittedly, there aren’t many as OKC does not have a single unrestricted free agent.

Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Thunder Free Agents

Ajay Mitchell (Club Option) – Stay

It was surprising to see a second round pick find his way into the rotation for the Thunder. That was the case for Ajay Mitchell, the 38th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. He appeared in each of OKC’s first 34 games while averaging 16 minutes. Unfortunately, a turf toe injury sidelined the 22-year-old for nearly three months in the regular season. He returned with just two games remaining before they transitioned to playoff basketball. That made it difficult for him to assume his former role.

May 7, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives to the basket beside Denver Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji (22) in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

After playing this season at a $3 million salary, the team option for 2025-26 is for the same amount. It seems like a no brainer that the Thunder will bring him back at that price point. He had an assist-to-turnover ratio over two while shooting nearly 50% from the field during his rookie year. While he played just 83 total minutes in the playoffs, the 6-foot-5 guard is a safe bet to be retained.

Jaylin Williams (Club Option) – Stay

Turning 23 years old on June 29, Jaylin Williams’ team option for 2025-26 is for even less than Mitchell’s. The option is for a little less than $2.2 million. Since Williams has constantly been in the rotation during his first three seasons, they certainly won’t move on from him. While he’s not a regular starter like he was in his rookie year, that’s because the team has grown by leaps and bounds.

In 47 games this season, the 6-foot-8 forward/center posted averages of 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Williams even recorded his first three career triple-doubles later in the season with more playing time due to injuries. He shot 39.9% from beyond the arc this season and is at 39.0% for his career.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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