Nikola Topic is one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA, bringing Serbian flair and skill to the Oklahoma City Thunder. At just 19 years old, he’s already made headlines for his playmaking, size, and basketball IQ.
In this article, you’ll learn about Topic’s personal background, early and professional career, contract details, salary, net worth, endorsements, and his NBA stats. Whether you’re a Thunder fan or just love following rising stars, this guide covers everything you need to know about Nikola Topic.
Nikola Topic’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikola Topić |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 2005 |
| Age | 19 |
| Education | No college (developed in European clubs, Crvena Zvezda youth) |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Turned Pro | March 28, 2022 (Crvena Zvezda, Serbia) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $5,141,948 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Nikola Topic’s basketball journey began in Novi Sad, Serbia, where he first played for the local club KK Defense. His talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join the prestigious Crvena Zvezda youth program in June 2020.
Topic’s rapid development was evident as he became one of the youngest players to debut for Crvena Zvezda’s senior team, making his professional debut on March 28, 2022, at just 16 years old.
In his first game, he scored 4 points and dished out 5 assists, immediately showcasing his court vision and poise. Only days later, he made his EuroLeague debut, further cementing his status as a rising star in European basketball.
By the 2023-24 season, he was already a key player for Crvena Zvezda, earning the ABA League Top Prospect Award and gaining experience in both domestic and international competitions.
Professional Career
After signing his first professional contract with Crvena Zvezda in July 2023, Topic continued to impress in the Adriatic League and EuroLeague. He started the 2023-24 season on loan with Mega MIS, where he averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game over 13 games. Returning to Crvena Zvezda in December 2023, he played a pivotal role in their championship run, despite suffering a knee injury.
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Topic declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although an ACL injury delayed his NBA debut, the Thunder secured him with a four-year rookie contract, confident in his potential to become a cornerstone of their future. His combination of size, passing, and scoring has made him one of the most anticipated international rookies in recent years.
Nikola Topic’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Nikola Topic’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million.
Contract
Topic signed a four-year, $23,030,850 rookie contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, with $10,118,880 guaranteed at signing. The contract includes club options for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, giving the Thunder flexibility to retain him through his early NBA years. If both options are exercised, he will become a restricted free agent in 2028, allowing Oklahoma City to match any outside offers.
Salary
Topic’s base salary is $4,935,960, ranking him as the 11th highest-paid player on the Thunder roster. For the 2025-26 season, his salary increases to $5,182,920. If the Thunder pick up his options, his salary will rise to $5,429,760 in 2026-27 and $7,482,210 in 2027-28. These figures do not include potential bonuses or endorsement income.
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Team | Salary | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 19 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $4,935,960 | $4,935,960 |
| 2025-26 | 20 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $5,182,920 | $10,118,880 |
| 2026-27* | 21 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $5,429,760 | $15,548,640 |
| 2027-28* | 22 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $7,482,210 | $23,030,850 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | League | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Crvena Zvezda | ABA League | 2 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .625 | .250 | 1.000 |
| 2022–23 | OKK Beograd | Serbian League | 19 | 17.8 | 3.8 | 5.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | .552 | .369 | .889 |
| 2023–24 | Mega MIS (loan) | ABA League | 13 | 18.6 | 3.7 | 6.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | .524 | .288 | .850 |
| 2023–24 | Crvena Zvezda | ABA League | 2 | 16.8 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 0.6 | .391 | .300 | .889 |
| 2023–24 | Crvena Zvezda | EuroLeague | 2 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | .375 | .000 | 1.000 |
FAQs
1. What is Nikola Topic’s background and early basketball journey?
Nikola Topic was born in Novi Sad, Serbia, and began his basketball journey with the local club KK Defense. His impressive skills led him to join the Crvena Zvezda youth program, where he quickly stood out as a top talent. By age 16, he made his professional debut for Crvena Zvezda, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to score in the ABA League.
2. What are the main strengths and weaknesses in Topic’s game?
Topic’s main strengths include his size for a point guard, exceptional passing, and ability to finish around the rim. He is known for his playmaking, basketball IQ, and unselfish approach. However, his weaknesses are inconsistent three-point shooting, average athleticism, and questions about his defense against quicker NBA guards.
3. What is Nikola Topic’s family background in basketball?
Nikola Topic comes from a basketball family. His father, Milenko Topic, is a former professional basketball player and coach who won medals with the Yugoslavian national team. Milenko’s experience and guidance have been influential in Nikola’s development as a player.
4. What injury did Nikola Topic suffer, and how has it affected his NBA career?
Topic suffered an ACL injury in early 2024, which led to him missing the entire 2024-25 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is expected to make his NBA debut in the 2025-26 season once he has fully recovered from the injury.
5. What are Nikola Topic’s notable achievements before joining the NBA?
Topic earned MVP honors in youth tournaments, tied the all-time scoring record at the ANGT with a 49-point game, and was recognized as one of the top prospects in the ABA League. He was also named the ABA League Top Prospect and stood out in both domestic and international competitions.
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