Thunder Pick Up Contract Options for Topic and Wallace

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Sunday that they have exercised the third-year contract option on point guard Nikola Topic and the fourth-year contract option on guard Cason Wallace. This decision helps the Thunder secure both players for the future.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti confirmed the moves. Topic, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a left knee injury. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds with Crvena zvezda of the Adriatic League during the 2023-24 season.

Wallace, drafted 10th overall in the 2023 draft, has played in 150 games and made 56 starts for the Thunder in his first two seasons. He has averages of 7.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.31 steals, showcasing his defensive skills and potential for growth on offense.

Topic’s contract option is valued at $5.4 million for the 2026-27 season, while Wallace’s option is set at $7.4 million. After the 2026-27 season, Topic will have another option worth $7.4 million for 2027-28, while Wallace will become a restricted free agent.

Although Topic has yet to play a regular-season game, he did participate in Summer League and one preseason game before being sidelined due to a recent medical procedure. His performance will be closely watched this season, particularly as the Thunder explore how to integrate him into their deep rotation.

Wallace, known for his lockdown defense, is expected to take on a larger role this season as a scoring threat, enhancing his ability to make three-pointers and drive to the basket. Both players have high potential, making the decision to exercise their options an easy one for the franchise.

The Thunder begin their season on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a home game against the Houston Rockets.