NBA Notes: Nets, Kobe Bufkin, Thunder, Nikola Topic, Pacers

Nets

The Nets have waived guard Kobe Bufkin, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Brooklyn later confirmed the move.

Bufkin was traded from Atlanta to Brooklyn last month for $110,000 in cash considerations, joining a crowded backcourt that already featured recent first-rounders Ben Saraf, Egor Demin and Nolan Traore.

The 22-year-old has battled injuries since entering the league and has appeared in just 27 games across two seasons, averaging 5.0 points and 1.6 assists in 11.9 minutes. He struggled to make an impression in Brooklyn’s preseason, averaging 7.0 points in limited minutes on 36% shooting.

Because Bufkin’s $4.5 million salary is fully guaranteed, the Nets will stay slightly above the minimum salary floor, which allows them to collect their share of the league’s luxury tax distribution, projected around $12.8 million, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

The move also brings Brooklyn’s roster to compliance, with 15 players on standard deals and two on two-way contracts. Bufkin will become a free agent if he clears waivers Tuesday.

Thunder

Oklahoma City has exercised its 2026-27 team options on Cason Wallace and Nikola Topic, the team announced.

Wallace, the No. 10 pick in 2023, will earn $7.4 million in the final year of his rookie deal and will be eligible for an extension next summer. The defensive-minded guard averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 68 games last season while shooting 47% from the field.

Topic, the 12th pick in 2024, will earn $5.4 million in 2026-27. He missed his rookie year with an ACL injury and recently underwent a testicular procedure, delaying his debut until at least November.

Pacers

The Pacers still don’t have an answer at backup point guard heading into the regular season, as relayed by Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

As you likely know, Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year with an Achilles tear, T.J. McConnell is sidelined with a hamstring strain, and rookie Kam Jones remains out with a back injury.

Veteran reinforcements didn’t pan out either. Monte Morris’ calf injury halted talks with the team, Delon Wright was waived after a concussion, and Cameron Payne failed to fit in during the preseason.

“It didn’t work out,” coach Rick Carlisle said.

For now, Indiana may lean on third-year guard Ben Sheppard, who played some point in college. Carlisle said the team is exploring all options, including free agents and potential waiver claims.

“We’re looking at everything,” he said. “The waiver wire, people’s nephews and uncles — but good point guards aren’t growing on trees. We’re going to have to be creative.”