Thunder Utilizes 2026/27 Options on Topic and Wallace in Major Strategy Move
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made significant moves regarding their roster by exercising their team options for the 2026/27 season on guards Nikola Topic and Cason Wallace. This decision has important implications for the team’s future strategy.
Details on Cason Wallace’s Contract
Cason Wallace, selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is set to earn a guaranteed $7,420,806 for the 2026/27 season. This will mark his fourth year in the league, and he is eligible for a rookie scale extension next summer.
Wallace has established himself as a key player for the Thunder, showing his skills throughout the past two seasons. In the 2024/25 regular season, he played 68 games, averaging 27.6 minutes per contest. His statistics include:
- 8.4 points per game
- 3.4 rebounds per game
- 2.5 assists per game
- 1.8 steals per game
- Shooting percentages: 47.4% (FG), 35.6% (3P), 81.1% (FT)
Nikola Topic’s Contract Details
Nikola Topic, the 12th pick in the 2022 draft, will earn $5,429,760 in his third NBA season for 2026/27. Both Topic and Wallace already had guaranteed contracts for the 2025/26 season, securing their roles on the team moving forward.
Topic, who is currently 20 years old, faced challenges in his rookie season after suffering an ACL tear. His return to play is currently delayed as he recently underwent a testicular procedure. He won’t make his regular season debut until at least November.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder’s decision to exercise these options reflects confidence in both players’ abilities and potential contributions to the team’s success. As the NBA prepares for the upcoming season, teams must finalize their rookie scale options by October 31. Emegypt will keep track of these critical decisions and their impacts on team strategies.
