The NBA's rookie-scale extension deadline, pushed to Monday because Halloween fell on a weekend, produced three significant decisions as teams declined options on former first-round picks, potentially sending them to unrestricted free agency next summer.
Oklahoma City Thunder part ways with Nikola Topic
The Thunder declined the 2027-28 team option on guard Nikola Topic, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Topic has yet to play a full NBA season: he missed his rookie year with a torn ACL, appeared in only 10 games last season while undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, and has not played this season due to back surgery. Oklahoma City, which averaged 66 wins over the past two seasons, faced limited minutes for development. The decision may give Topic an opportunity to showcase his abilities upon return and test the open market.
Utah Jazz move on from Isaiah Collier
The Jazz declined the 2027-28 option on guard Isaiah Collier, who averaged over 25 minutes per game in each of his first two seasons. This year, Collier has averaged 18.5 minutes off the bench through six games without a start. Utah, with cap space below the projected luxury tax, may seek a veteran backup or prioritize ball-handling duties for Keyonte George and rookie Darryn Peterson. Collier, a former No. 1 high school recruit, remains a high-level playmaker whose scoring and defense have yet to translate consistently.
Charlotte Hornets decline Tidjane Salaun's fourth-year option
The Hornets declined the fourth-year option on forward Tidjane Salaun, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 draft. His option salary would have been approximately $10.4 million. Charlotte can still re-sign Salaun in free agency up to that amount, creating flexibility: if he underperforms they can retain him at a lower cost, and if he excels they gain a productive wing or a trade asset. Salaun's minutes have decreased each season, but he is playing more efficiently in a reduced role this year, offering physical tools, ball-handling, shooting, and effort that teams typically value.
