NBA Teams Face Roster Decisions on European Prospects
As the Monday deadline for NBA rookie contract options and roster adjustments approached, focus shifted to several young European players who may become unrestricted free agents following the 2026–27 season.
Highlighting the league’s tight financial landscape, the Oklahoma City Thunder are declining the fourth-year option on Serbian point guard Nikola Topic, a move confirmed by insider Justin Martinez on Sunday.
The choice regarding his 7.5 million dollar salary reflects a budget-conscious strategy designed to maintain salary cap flexibility for the upcoming summer.
Drafted with the 12th overall pick in 2024, Topic’s early career has been disrupted by health issues. He missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. Subsequently, he battled testicular cancer diagnosed at the start of the 2025–26 season, underwent chemotherapy, and made his debut in February. Following back surgery last summer, he has not played this year and remains out with no return timeline after appearing in just 10 career games.
In a comparable decision, the Charlotte Hornets are anticipated to decline their fourth-year option for French forward Tidjane Salaun, according to Keith Smith. The Paris-born player was selected sixth overall in 2024. He has appeared in 103 NBA games to date, including six this season, averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards exercised options on five players, including French starting center Alex Sarr. The Bordeaux native was chosen second overall in 2024. He has averaged 9.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across six games this season, locking in a fourth-year salary of 15.6 million dollars. He has already participated in 121 games during his nascent career.
Other franchises still must decide on their recent first-round selections before the deadline expires, such as the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the third-year option for Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis.
