The Oklahoma City Thunder have until Monday, November 2, to decide on the 2027-28 team options for three young players: Nikola Topic, Jared McCain, and Thomas Sorber.
The Thunder must choose whether to pick up or decline fourth-year options for Topic and McCain, and a third-year option for Sorber. These are standard team options on rookie-scale contracts for first-round NBA draft picks. The first two years are fully guaranteed, and the team then holds options for the final two seasons. While the official cutoff is November 2, a decision is expected well before the regular season tips off on October 20.
Topic's option for the 2027-28 season is valued at $7.5 million. McCain's is set at $6.8 million, and Sorber's is $5.1 million. These figures reflect their draft positions: Topic was selected 12th overall in 2024, McCain 16th in 2024, and Sorber 15th in 2025.
Nikola Topic, the 12th pick in 2024, is entering his third NBA season. The guard has shown flashes of potential but has also dealt with injuries that limited his playing time. Jared McCain, drafted 16th in the same year, is also heading into his third campaign. His development as a perimeter shooter will be a key factor in the Thunder's evaluation.
Thomas Sorber, a 2025 first-round selection, is about to start his second professional season. The big man's role in the frontcourt rotation and his ability to protect the paint will be closely watched. All three represent important investments from recent drafts for Oklahoma City.
These contract choices are a significant part of the Thunder's long-term financial planning. Committing to these options locks in salary cap hits for the 2027-28 season, affecting the team's flexibility for future trades or free agency moves. It's a vote of confidence in each player's projected development.
Despite some outside speculation about Topic's and Sorber's injury histories, the likely outcome is for the Thunder to pick up all three options. The salaries are reasonable for players of their draft pedigree, and it gives the organization another full season to evaluate their fit alongside core stars. Letting a rookie-scale option expire this early is rare and signals a player is not in the team's plans.
The team is currently in a strong competitive phase.
Securing young talent on cost-controlled deals is essential for a team managing a deep roster. It allows Head Coach Mark Daigneault to build continuity. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as the new season approaches. The decisions on Topic, McCain, and Sorber are about securing the Thunder's rotational depth for the future.
