Camp Chatter Turns To Mitchell As The Preseason Slate Comes…

By the Thunder Nightly Desk · Sunday, September 20

Two separate beat reports raised questions about Oklahoma City's backcourt depth without a single confirmed move behind either one. The preseason schedule is now set, with the regular-season opener locked for October 20.

Thunder Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Backcourt Speculation

Thunderous Intentions floated Ajay Mitchell as a fit for the Clippers in what it called a 'Jalen Brunson type of situation,' and a separate piece from the same outlet tied Ausar Thompson's new contract to what it framed as a Cason Wallace problem for Oklahoma City. Neither report points to talks, an offer or a timeline. Both are outside reads on a crowded backcourt, not moves the Thunder have made or confirmed.

The Calendar Fills In

Oklahoma City opens its preseason October 6 at home against the Pelicans, followed by the Bucks on October 7, then a road game at the Hawks on October 12 and back home against the Pacers on October 13. The regular season begins October 20 at San Antonio, airing on NBC and Peacock. OKCThunder.com also has Fan Fest set for October 11, the last big fan event before games count.

The Bill Ahead

None of this changes the arithmetic hanging over the roster: Oklahoma City's payroll sits at $216.2 million, above the $200.4 million tax threshold and into apron territory for a team trying to keep its championship group intact. That number is the backdrop for any speculation about moving a piece like Mitchell — every trade discussion now runs through what it would do to the bill.

When do the Thunder play their first preseason game?

October 6 at home against the Pelicans, the first of four preseason games before the regular season opens October 20 at San Antonio.

Is Ajay Mitchell being traded?

No trade has been reported. Thunderous Intentions floated him as a fit for the Clippers, but that is speculation, not a confirmed move.

By the Thunder Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.