Ajay Mitchell opens up about OKC's 3 offseason departures: 'Good friends who helped'

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For the first time in a couple of summers, the Oklahoma City Thunder went through some roster changes. After their back-to-back ambitions fell short, they said goodbye to three longtime role players as they dealt with the NBA's new financial restrictions.

The Thunder traded Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks. They also shipped Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons. In return, OKC gained seven future second-round picks. More importantly, though, they got below the dreadful second apron and the financial penalties that come with it.

As emotionally difficult as it might be to move on from three of OKC's best developmental stories, none of the moves should be shocking. The writing was on the wall for all three players that the Thunder would likely move on. Joe and Wiggins were on the outside of the playoff rotation by the end of the year. Dort's playing time dwindled to irrelevancy.

One Thunder player who will surely benefit from the vacuum of usage rate and minutes opened up with their departures is Ajay Mitchell. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout season last year. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds this past season. Albeit injuries continued to hinder him.

Mitchell missed OKC's last four games of their 2026 Western Conference Finals exit to the San Antonio Spurs. He dealt with a soleus strain. As awesome as he's been as another go-to scorer, he must stay healthy with a payday coming up next summer.

Talking to Belgium's Sporza, Mitchell reacted to OKC's cost-cutting moves. The Thunder moved on from Dort, Joe and Wiggins. The plan is to have the rest of the roster step up and hopefully enjoy better health luck with Jalen Williams. The All-NBA talent missed most of last season with two wrist surgeries and four hamstring strains.

"Three good friends who helped me a lot," Mitchell said to Sporza. "It is, of course, a shame to see them leave, but that is simply the business of the NBA. It also creates more responsibility for me. And that gives me a lot of confidence."

We'll see if Mitchell can take advantage of the extra opportunities. Alongside Cason Wallace, the Thunder will add more to their plate. The talent speaks for itself. But his durability must improve. At this point, he's too important to OKC's success to continue to miss extended time.

Not only did OKC's offseason prioritize lowering financial penalties, but it's also a vote of confidence that Mitchell is ready to take an even larger step this upcoming season. The title contender will almost certainly need that to pan out in hopes of bringing home a second Larry O'Brien trophy.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Ajay Mitchell opens up about OKC's 3 offseason departures: 'Good friends who helped'

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