The Oklahoma City Thunder are making strategic moves to strengthen their young roster. On October 19, the franchise announced that it has exercised its third-year contract option on guard Nikola Topic and fourth-year option on guard Cason Wallace. This decision ensures that both players will remain with the team at least through the 2026–27 season, reflecting the long-term vision laid out by general manager Sam Presti.
Nikola Topic, selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has yet to step onto the court for the Thunder, having missed the entire 2024–25 season due to a left knee injury and subsequent complications. Prior to his injury, the 6-foot-6 Serbian guard showcased his talents with Crvena zvezda in the Adriatic League, where he averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 18 games during the 2023-24 season. Known for his size, vision, and playmaking abilities, Topic is seen as a promising prospect in the Thunder’s backcourt. Recently, he demonstrated his potential at the Summer League, averaging 11 points and 7.3 assists over three games before his knee injury set him back, demonstrating that the franchise is confident in his future contributions alongside or behind star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Cason Wallace, who was drafted in 2023 from Kentucky, has quickly established himself as a reliable perimeter defender in the league. Over his first two seasons, he has played in 150 games, starting 56 of them, while averaging 7.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.31 steals per game. His contributions were vital during the Thunder’s championship run in 2025, where he averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 assists throughout the playoffs. Wallace’s defensive prowess and shooting ability have earned him a solid spot in the Thunder’s rotation and recognition as a rising talent, as evidenced by his selections to the NBA’s Rising Stars teams in 2024 and 2025, along with an All-Rookie Second Team nod in 2024.
The decision to exercise options for Topic and Wallace is a routine yet significant step for a franchise focused on long-term player development. Oklahoma City’s young core, which includes Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and now Topic, is continuing to mature together. Topic’s eventual return to health will be a key storyline as the season progresses, possibly easing the load on Gilgeous-Alexander by contributing to the team’s playmaking needs.
The Thunder will kick off the 2025–26 season on October 21 against the Houston Rockets, entering as the defending NBA champions and one of the top contenders for the upcoming season. With the addition of Topic and Wallace’s options, the franchise is further solidifying a young, deep, and cohesive roster—factors that have been essential to Oklahoma City’s successful ascent in the NBA.