NBA Teams Confirm Rookie-Scale Option Choices for 2025-26

The clock struck midnight on October 31, marking the deadline for NBA franchises to decide on their rookie-scale contract options. This year, teams had to confirm whether they would retain third- or fourth-year options for various players ahead of the 2026-27 season, and the results are now in.

As reported by hoopswire.com, the deadline was particularly significant for first-round draft picks from the 2023 and 2024 classes. For the 2023 draftees, it represented the crucial decision point for their fourth-year options, while the 2024 selections faced similar scrutiny with their third-year options on the line.

The decisions made by each team reflect a blend of confidence in their young talent and strategic financial planning as the league continues to evolve. Here’s a breakdown of the choices made by each franchise:

**Atlanta Hawks**:
The Hawks opted to pick up the third-year option for Zachcharie Risacher, ensuring the promising player will earn approximately $13.8 million in the upcoming season. This move signals Atlanta’s commitment to developing Risacher’s potential.

**Boston Celtics**:
In Boston, the Celtics exercised the third-year option for Baylor Scheierman. His contract is set at around $2.7 million, indicating the team’s belief in his ability to contribute as they chase another championship.

**Brooklyn Nets**:
The Nets had a mixed bag of decisions. They chose to waive Kobe Bufkin’s fourth-year option, a decision that could reflect a shift in their roster strategy. However, they did exercise Noah Clowney’s fourth-year option valued at $5.4 million, highlighting their optimism about his growth. Dariq Whitehead, on the other hand, saw his fourth-year option also waived, further indicating a period of recalibration for Brooklyn.

**Charlotte Hornets**:
The Hornets made a substantial commitment by exercising the fourth-year options for both Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun, with Miller’s worth $15.1 million and Salaun’s at $8.2 million. This shows Charlotte’s faith in their young core as they look to build a competitive franchise.

**Chicago Bulls**:
The Bulls decided to pick up the third-year option for their 2024 first-round pick, signaling their intent to keep developing young talent while looking to improve their roster for future success.

**Cleveland Cavaliers**:
Cleveland took a decisive stance by exercising the fourth-year option for their promising player, emphasizing their long-term vision and ability to cultivate talent.

**Dallas Mavericks**:
The Mavericks exercised their fourth-year option on a key player, demonstrating their confidence in his potential contributions as they aim for a playoff push.

Overall, the recent decisions made by NBA teams underscore a pivotal moment in shaping the future of many franchises. The exercise of options not only secures young talent but also aligns with broader strategies as teams look to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development.

As the league gears up for the next season, these decisions will undoubtedly echo in the strategies adopted by each team moving forward.