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Ivory CoastThunder Decline Option for Former First Round Pick Nikola Topic
The Oklahoma City Thunder will not pick up the contract option for guard Nikola Topic, making him a free agent next summer.
Decision on Roster Contracts
The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially declined to pick up the $7.4 million team option on Nikola Topic's contract for next season. The decision ensures that the Serbian point guard will become a pending unrestricted free agent next summer.
While the franchise chose to pass on Topic's option, the team did decide to keep other young players. The Thunder announced that they are picking up contract options for both Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber.
Repeated Health Setbacks
Topic entered the league as the 12th overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft. Despite his high draft status, severe medical issues have kept him off the floor for almost his entire career. He has managed to appear in just 10 total games for Oklahoma City over the last three seasons.
His troubles began even before his professional career started. A knee injury suffered prior to the draft sidelined him for his whole rookie year. Ahead of last season, he received a testicular cancer diagnosis during the preseason. He underwent a surgical procedure to address the cancer last October, completed chemotherapy treatments, and eventually worked his way back into playing shape.
Recent Surgery and Timetable
After returning from his cancer treatment, Topic made his NBA debut on Feb. 12 of last year. He appeared in 10 games following his return to the roster.
However, Topic is now facing another delay in his career. He is currently recovering from a back surgery that he underwent this past summer. The Thunder have not set a timetable for when he might be able to return to action.
What it means for the next game
Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA, Tue, 03 Nov): Cleveland Cavaliers win 57%, Oklahoma City Thunder win 43%; projected score Cleveland Cavaliers 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 112. Our safest pick: Thunder +12.5.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA, Thu, 05 Nov): Oklahoma City Thunder win 70%, Cleveland Cavaliers win 30%; projected score Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Cleveland Cavaliers 111. Our safest pick: Cavaliers +14.5.
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