# NBA Teams Decline Rookie Options Ahead of Deadline

> Thunder, Jazz, and Hornets move on young players as NBA rookie-scale deadline approaches.
- Title: NBA Teams Decline Rookie Options Ahead of Deadline | Shortify
- Summary: Thunder, Jazz, and Hornets move on young players as NBA rookie-scale deadline approaches. Oklahoma City Thunder declined Nikola Topic's option, Utah Jazz…
- Keywords: nba, rookie-scale, thunder, jazz, hornets, nikola topic, isaiah collier, tidjane salaun, nba rookie scale deadline, unrestricted free agency, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-rookie-scale-contract-deadline-thunder-give-up-on-lottery-pick
- Published: 2026-11-03T14:49:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba, rookie-scale, thunder, jazz, hornets, nikola topic, isaiah collier, tidjane salaun, nba rookie scale deadline, unrestricted free agency, sports
## NBA Deadline Pushed to Monday
The NBA moved its rookie-scale contract deadline from Halloween to Monday due to the end of October falling on a weekend.
## Phoenix Suns' Jalen Smith Example
The Phoenix Suns declined Jalen Smith's option in 2021, who later became a key player for the Chicago Bulls.
## Thunder Decline Nikola Topic
Oklahoma City Thunder declined Nikola Topic's 2027-28 option because he hasn't played much due to injuries.
## Topic's Injury History
Topic missed his rookie season with a torn ACL, then missed most of his second season treating testicular cancer, and has not played this season due to back surgery.
## Thunder's Opportunity for Topic
If Topic returns, he could get significant minutes with the Thunder, who have the best player development track record in basketball.
## Jazz Decline Isaiah Collier
Utah Jazz declined Isaiah Collier's option despite his high minutes and role as a backup point guard.
## Collier's Role with Jazz
Collier averaged over 25 minutes per game in his first two seasons, but the Jazz are now moving on him for next season.
## Hornets' Path for Tidjane Salaun
Charlotte Hornets have a path to re-sign Tidjane Salaun after declining his fourth-year option, with a potential salary of $10.4 million.
## Key takeaway

Oklahoma City Thunder declined Nikola Topic's option, Utah Jazz moved on Isaiah Collier, and Charlotte Hornets have a path to re-sign Tidjane Salaun after their fourth-year option was dropped.