Maybe the timing of Chet Holmgren’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, on the morning of NBA trade deadline day, was coincidental. Maybe it wasn’t.

The NBA Trade Deadline is officially here, with just a handful of hours until teams are locked into place for the remainder of the season as it relates to making deals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced they have signed Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. He was previously on a two-way contract for the first half of the season. It's reportedly a two-year, $6 million contract.

With Theis gone, the Thunder now have an open roster spot. They could use it to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. The two-way rookie has played well despite toe surgery likely knocking him out for the rest of the regular season. No need to risk exposing him to restricted free agency.