Chet's Return and Ajay's Contract
It felt sudden, because Chet had beat the (extended) window given by the Thunder for his return. The right iliac wing fracture–the bizarre, one-of-a-kind hip break forever etched in our vernacular after seeing it in on injury reports for 39 games–apparently healed quickly enough for Holmgren to beat 3-5 week timeline last given by Oklahoma City (a target return date was never broadcast by the team). Most of us were assuming he'd wait until after the All-Star break to play again, even if just as a precaution.
We don't know how much he'll play. We don't know how rusty he'll look. I know I'll wince every time he jumps, regardless of how encouraged I am by the speed of his recovery. But my expert medical analysis remains: if the fracture truly was just the tip of his hip, caused by a freak fall, this shouldn't be a red flag for Chet's long-term durability.
Fred Katz (The Athletic) looks at how Chet will affect the Thunder on both sides of the ball.
He’s one of the few centers who can block shots and shoot 3s well enough that defenses must follow him beyond the arc. He can pop off those screens in a way Hartenstein can’t. Last season, The Thunder averaged an elite 1.18 points per possession when he ran pick-and-rolls with Williams, according to Second Spectrum. That figure with Gilgeous-Alexander was a still-elite at 1.13.
As I wrote yesterday, this trade deadline was a bona fide superstar bonanza, but the biggest addition for title hopefuls* in 2025 is Chet on the Thunder.
The deadline deals
For a good league-wide trade deadline recap, I recommend HoopsRumors as usual. For those puzzled about the Thunder/Hornets pick swap, HoopsRumors also has a helpful breakdown of the latest, second-round strand in OKC's complicated web of future draft capital:
*I look forward to a rejuvenated LeBron and a re-pissed-off Luka trying to prove me wrong this season.
Ajay's Day
The Thunder waived Daniel Theis and signed Ajay Mitchell yesterday, converting him from a two-way deal to fill a standard contract/roster spot. Big attaboy for the second-rounder. It was not another long, team-friendly Presti special for the latest overperforming prospect: Mitchell received a two-year deal, with guarantees on the 2025-26 year thus far unreported.
Also: Branden Carlson hopped into Mitchell's two-way slot. Congrats to both unheralded rookies for earning their places on the NBA court (and getting the bag).
Pregame Primer: Thunder vs. Raptors
Game Info: OKC (40-9) vs. TOR (16-35)
Tip-off: 7:00 PM | Broadcast: Local/League Pass
3⚡Big⚡Things⚡
Get primed and ready for the game, then follow @brandonrahbar and comment live below.
Read above for my notes on Chet Holmgren's return against Toronto. The game looks like it could be an exhibition, otherwise.
