nba free agency
nba free agency
It has been a very eventful offseason in the NBA as a plethora of elite stars changed uniforms over the last couple of months. Including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James. However, most of the notable movement came on the trade market as free agency has lost a lot of its influence on the league. But that could change next summer.
If there are no extensions signed and players opt out of the final year of their deals, some of the best players in the NBA could be up for grabs to the highest bidder a year from now. Stars such as Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Kevin Durant.
So much can happen between now and then, but in the interest of some way-too-early fun, we offer up our bold predictions for where the best players from the 2027 crop of NBA free agency will land.
Stephen Curry
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Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There has been a lot of speculation that after an underwhelming offseason for the Golden State Warriors, team icon Stephen Curry could soon ask to be traded. However, he can also just wait until the offseason and choose to go to whatever team he wants. But by the time he hits the open market, he will be 39 years old. Does he really want to play somewhere else for a season, maybe two?
Chances are Curry either signs a one- or two-year deal to stay in Golden State or retires.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Jul 16, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Although Antetokounmpo got what he wanted in a trade to the Miami Heat in June, he surprisingly has not signed an extension with them yet. That could eventually come, or maybe he opts into the $62.7 million left on the final year of his contract. But what if he doesn’t? What if this season is a tryout for the Heat, and if they don’t live up to his expectations, he hits the open market to go wherever he wants.
If the New York Knicks hadn’t won their championship this spring, Antetokounmpo to New York probably happens this summer. That is where he most wanted to be. That could happen next summer if the Knicks don’t repeat and Karl-Anthony Towns opts out of his final year to seek out the long-term max deal New York won’t give him.
Karl-Anthony Towns
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Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates with the Larry O’Brien championship trophy and the eastern conference finals trophy during a ceremony at New York City Hall after the championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Speaking of Towns and the Knicks, they are in an uncomfortable situation. In most cases, New York would give the six-time All-Star the max extension he is eligible for, or something close, after he played a major role in bringing a title back to Gotham for the first time in 53 years. But this is not a normal situation.
The Knicks have a lot of money wrapped up in Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. They want Towns to stay, but it can’t be on a deal worth north of $55 million annually. So the big man will need to take a notable pay cut to keep their core together. It would not be a surprise if he passes on that opportunity to seek out one last huge payday from a team like the Chicago Bulls.
Kevin Durant
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Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court during the final minutes of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
This is a big season for Durant and the Houston Rockets. After a bumpy first season together, this will be a make-or-break year for both sides. If they disappoint again, it is very likely the 16-time All-Star opts out of the final year of his deal and takes his talents elsewhere.
Of the possible destinations, he will prefer to go somewhere he desperately wanted, and the Minnesota Timberwolves seem like that team if they don’t win a title next spring. Taking a team-friendly deal to play a season with Anthony Edwards would be fun, or the soon-to-be 38-year-old could walk away from the hassle of the NBA altogether.
Jimmy Butler
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Jan 19, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) on a play against Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) resulting in a knee injury during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
If Jimmy Butler wants one final worthwhile payday, he must not only prove he is still a star at 36 years old, but do it after returning from a torn ACL. Considering his toughness and pride, he will probably do it. So where will he go in what might be his final trip into free agency? Obviously, he wants to chase a title, but many contenders may pass on signing him.
However, there is one that may see value in what he brings to a team. And that is the Heat. Yes, they had a nasty breakup a couple of years ago, but no bridge is ever burned in the NBA. And if they give up a boatload of assets to see Antetokounmpo walk away next summer, bringing back an old friend can’t be ruled out.
Nikola Jokic
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Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) seats on the bench before the second half begins against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
It would be a surprise if Nikola Jokic doesn’t finish his illustrious career with the Denver Nuggets. However, the fact that he keeps pushing back the chance to sign an extension certainly seems like a red flag. Furthermore, a team legend playing an entire career with one team rarely happens in modern sports.
With Jokic and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic being close friends, the idea of them teaming up to chase titles will always be a possibility. If there were any chance of that happening next summer, you can bet LA will give up all their worthwhile future first-rounders and any players, including Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, to bring the three-time MVP to LA.
Anthony Davis
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Apr 5, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis (23) talks with forward Leaky Black (14) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It was reported this week that Anthony Davis won’t get the extension he is hoping for from the Washington Wizards before the season starts. Talks are expected to begin during the season, but they may go nowhere, and he opts out of the final year of his pact to find the long-term deal he wants.
Of the teams that might run the risk of signing the oft-injured future Hall of Famer, the Phoenix Suns would make sense. They have several talented guards and swingmen but lack impact players in the frontcourt. If they don’t take another step forward next season, pursuing Davis in free agency is likely.
Kyrie Irving
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Jan 6, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving stands on the court during a timeout against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Kyrie Irving is going to use 2026-27 as a showcase that despite missing a season following an ACL tear, he can still be one of the elite players in the NBA. If he can do that, he will certainly have many interested teams, but only a few that can actually give the 34-year-old the money he would request.
Assuming the planned Kawhi Leonard trade goes through, the Los Angeles Clippers will have some money to splurge. Getting good money to play in LA, even though it’s the Clippers, would probably work for the nine-time All-Star.
Michael Porter Jr.
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Mar 10, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Michael Porter Jr. had a big breakthrough season for the Brooklyn Nets as their No. 1 option. The addition of Julius Randle and Mikel Brown Jr. should affect his numbers, but the 28-year-old should take another strong season into free agency next summer.
However, his career-long injury woes will worry teams. But if Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler come off the books, and Curry re-signs for another season, it would not be surprising if the Warriors give the forward a big contract in NBA free agency.
Brandon Ingram
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brandon Ingram is another big-name talent with a player option next summer. He chose to sign with the Toronto Raptors after he was traded there two years ago. But they may soon send him to the Clippers for Leonard. Opting out so he can pick his team and get a new long-term deal is probable.
One team that we could see splurging to bring in his veteran scoring talents is the Memphis Grizzlies. Top pick Cameron Boozer will need more scoring help, and Ingram could certainly do that.