Mitchell hasn't played a game for the Thunder since undergoing a procedure on his right big toe in January, but that didn't stop the team from securing his future by inking him to a two-year deal. Although he still needs a considerable amount of time before he can be cleared to play again for Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was prescient in the aftermath of Chet Holmgren's injury on Nov. 10.

On a day when most of the NBA is focused on the Trade Deadline, the Thunder could make a bigger addition than anyone by adding a 7-foot Defensive Player of the Year who can stretch the floor from 3. Oklahoma City is 40-9 and has yet to play their two best centers in the same game,