Oklahoma City Thunder Make Surprise Move With 6-Foot-6 NBA Champion Nikola Topić

Nikola Topić faces major career twist© Instagram/nikola14topic

The Oklahoma City Thunder have declined Nikola Topić's $7.5 million team option for 2027-28. The team announced the decision Sunday, a day before the Nov. 2 deadline. Topić, taken No. 12 in the 2024 draft, will become a free agent next summer. Oklahoma City picked up options on Jared McCain ($6.8 million) and Thomas Sorber ($5.1 million) as well. Injuries and illness have limited Topić to 10 NBA games, and a growing payroll left the Thunder little room to wait. The 6-foot-6 guard has yet to play this season after back surgery in June.

Why Did the Thunder Decline Nikola Topić's Team Option?

Money drove the call. Oklahoma City expects its payroll to climb for the rest of the decade, and a $7.5 million fourth year was hard to defend for a player with so little game film. Topić has played 10 regular-season games, and none came this year.

His road has been rough from the start. A partially torn ACL in the left knee, suffered before the draft, wiped out the entire 2024-25 season. A cancer diagnosis followed in October 2025, just as a debut seemed close. Chemotherapy ended in January. Topić finally debuted right before the 2026 All-Star break and played 10 games. Back surgery in June set him back again.

Those gaps left the Thunder with almost nothing to evaluate. Declining the option does not cut Topić loose today. He is still on the roster, and the rest of this season gives him time to show what he can do once healthy.

What Does the $60 Million Savings Mean for the Thunder's Core?

Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reported the move will save Oklahoma City $60 million. He did not give a breakdown, so the figure is best read as his estimate of the total effect. He tied the decision to the team's wider plan.

“OKC will save $60 million with its decision to decline the option on Nikola Topić,” Martinez wrote. “This should be viewed as a continuation of the cost-saving moves OKC made this summer. It's another step towards retaining the core of the team.”

Injuries make the squeeze feel sharper. Jalen Williams (leg), Cason Wallace (shoulder) and Chet Holmgren (knee) are all out for a long time.

Martinez also pushed back on the idea of a talent verdict.

“It also isn't a reflection of OKC's belief in Topić as a prospect,” Martinez wrote. “The Thunder simply has to prioritize retaining those who've shown what they can do on the floor, and Topić unfortunately hasn't been able to do so due to unforeseen setbacks.”

Topić will hit the market next summer unless Oklahoma City brings him back. A trade before the deadline is also possible, which could give him a fresh start elsewhere.