Thunder Declines Nikola Topic's $7.4M Option
Oklahoma City will not exercise its option on the former 12th overall pick, making him a pending unrestricted free agent.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
The Oklahoma City Thunder declined Nikola Topic's $7.4 million option for next season, making him a pending unrestricted free agent. The team picked up options on Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber's contracts in the same move.
Why it matters
Topic, a former lottery pick, has appeared in only 10 total games for Oklahoma City over the last three seasons while dealing with injury and health setbacks. The decision shapes the Thunder's roster and young-player development as the team retains McCain and Sorber.
The Thunder's decision leaves Topic, who has played just 10 games across three seasons, as an unrestricted free agent with a $7.4 million option value declined. The team has not stated whether it intends to pursue a new deal with him.
The players
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is an NBA franchise based in Oklahoma City that competes in the Western Conference.
Nikola Topic
Nikola Topic is a Serbian professional basketball player who was selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA draft by Oklahoma City.
The details
Topic, the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury suffered before he was drafted. He has since dealt with a testicular cancer diagnosis, a procedure in October 2025, and back surgery in summer 2026.
Timeline
February 12, 2025: Topic made his NBA debut after cancer treatment.
October 2025: Topic had a procedure to address testicular cancer.
Summer 2026: Topic underwent back surgery.
Next season: The Thunder's declined option would have taken effect.
Season Trajectory
Topic's 12th overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft made him one of the higher-valued prospects in that class, so the Thunder's decision to let his option go represents a notable reversal of that investment. The move comes as Oklahoma City retains younger players McCain and Sorber, signaling a shift in how the team is allocating roster spots.
Topic's status as an unrestricted free agent means the Thunder no longer control his rights beyond the current cycle, so any future contract would depend on negotiations with other teams. For fantasy and roster tracking, Oklahoma City's remaining young depth now centers on McCain and Sorber.
The takeaway
The Thunder's decision reflects how health setbacks can quickly change a young player's standing, even after a high draft pick. Readers following the team should watch whether Topic signs elsewhere or whether the Thunder's younger depth gets expanded minutes.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Basketball coverage of Oklahoma City.
