{
  "id": 18775493,
  "title": "Nikola Topic injury update: OKC Thunder guard assigned to G League team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/nikola-topic-injury-update-okc-thunder-guard-assigned-to-g-league-team",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T19:28:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nikola-topic-injury-okc-thunder-192809613.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they have assigned Nikola Topić to their G League team, the OKC Blue. This move comes after Topić experienced several setbacks in his NBA career. Selected by the Thunder with the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, he missed the entire first season due to a partially torn ACL in his left knee. In October 2025, Topić was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and he completed chemotherapy in January before playing in 10 games last season. Following a minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy procedure in June, it was initially expected that he would be ready for the start of training camp. However, Topić missed all five preseason games for the Thunder and has yet to play in any games of the regular season. The Thunder opted out of the $7.5 million team option on Topić and saved $60 million by doing so. Despite this, the team still has the option to re-sign Topić, but they need to ensure that any new contract does not exceed the $7.5 million option amount. Nevertheless, Topić is expected to have a chance to contribute to the Thunder this season as they face a short-handed roster. The OKC Blue will play their next two games against the Osceola Magic and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Senior NBA reporter Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. For story ideas, he can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops.",
  "summary": "OKC Thunder guard Nikola Topic is heading to the G League as he continues his recovery from a series of health setbacks.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nikola Topić assigned to OKC Blue G League team",
    "Topić missed NBA season due to ACL injury and cancer",
    "Thunder saved $60M by opting out of Topić's contract"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}