OKC Thunder Exercises 2026-27 Options on Nikola Topic and Cason Wallace

The Oklahoma City Thunder have exercised the 2026-27 team options for guards Nikola Topic and Cason Wallace, securing their roles for the upcoming season. Topic, selected 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has yet to play a regular-season game due to a knee injury and a recent testicular procedure that will sideline him until mid-November, but the Thunder remain optimistic about his playmaking potential off the bench. Wallace, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a reliable contributor over two seasons, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors and showing steady improvement with career highs last season. The team views both players as key components to their depth as they aim to repeat as NBA champions. While star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren command most of the payroll, the Thunder rely on these young, cost-controlled talents to fill out the roster. The team's continued investment in Topic and Wallace reflects their commitment to building a competitive and deep squad for the 2025-26 season and beyond.