THE Oklahoma City Thunder continue to invest in their young core. The team announced on October 19 that it had exercised its third-year contract option at guard. Topic Nikola and fourth year option in custody Cason Wallace.
The move locks in both guards through at least the 2026-27 season as part of Oklahoma City’s long-term plans under general manager Sam Presti.
Nikola Topic and Cason Wallace sign long-term deals
Topic, the 12th overall pick in 2024 NBA Draft, has yet to make his debut with the Thunder after missing the 2024-25 season while recovering from a left knee injury. Before being drafted, the 6-foot-6 Serbian guard played for Red Star in the Adriatic League, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 28.4 minutes in 18 games for Red Star in the 2023-24 season.
Considered in draft circles as one of the most advanced young playmakers in Europe, Topic was selected for his size, vision and pace in the open court. Oklahoma City has been patient with his development as he completes his offseason rehab, but a the recent testicular operation was another setback. OKC the option decision signals confidence in one’s future role behind or alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and certainly signals to fans that Topic will be worth the wait when he finally takes the field for OKC.
Topic showed flashes during the offseason at Summer League, showing off his playmaking ability with 7.3 assists per game in three contests. He also averaged 11 points during that span before his knee injury set him back.
Wallace, the Thunder’s 2023 first-round pick out of Kentucky, has developed into one of the league’s most reliable young perimeter defenders. In his first two seasons, he played in 150 games (56 starts), averaging 7.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.31 steals in 23.8 minutes per game. Wallace played a huge role in the Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship run — he averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 steals and 2.3 assists over 20 playoff games, often guarding multiple front-line wings late in regulation minutes. His versatility in the playoffs helped Oklahoma City maintain its defensive intensity while Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams led the offensive.
His defensive tenacity and shooting touch earned him regular rotation minutes on one of the most complete teams in the Western Conference. Wallace was named to the NBA’s Rising Stars teams in 2024 and 2025, and he made the All-Rookie Second Team in 2024.
What this means for Oklahoma City
Option decisions are common but important for a franchise built on long-term player development. The Thunder’s young core — led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Chet Holmgren and Wallace – continue to mature together, while Topic represents another layer of depth and flexibility for the backcourt.
Topic’s recovery and reintegration will be one of the key topics in the second half of the season. If healthy, he could fit into the team’s ball-handling and playmaking secondary rotations, easing Gilgeous-Alexander’s workload.
Wallace, meanwhile, remains a crucial two-way piece for head coach Mark Daigneault. His ability to guard multiple positions and fend off perimeter shots fits perfectly into Oklahoma City’s demanding, switch-heavy defensive schemes.
The Thunder will open the 2025-2026 season on October 21 against the Houston Rockets as the reigning NBA champion and one of the favorites to compete again. The pair of optional pickups further stabilizes a roster already known for its depth, youth and continuity, three qualities that have defined Oklahoma City’s rise to the top of the NBA.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports reporter covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. Anderson is also the host of The Rip City Pod on the I-5 Corridor, where he dives into the stories and personalities that shape the Portland Trail Blazers. His work has been published in nationally recognized media outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today and ESPN. Learn more about Erik Anderson
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