The Oklahoma City Thunder declined to pick up Nikola Topic's $7.4 million 2024 lottery option, leaving him as a pending unrestricted free agent. The team also announced they will pick up options for Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber. Topic, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has made only 10 games in three seasons due to back surgery and a knee injury.
He missed his rookie season with a pre-draft knee injury and a large portion of last season after a testicular cancer diagnosis. He underwent a cancer procedure in October 2025, followed chemotherapy, and is now returning to training. He made his NBA debut on Feb. 12 and has appeared in 10 games.
The Thunder's decision leaves Topic as a pending free agent, while the team secures options on two other players.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing