As the NBA calendar churns, and as teams look ahead to next season, some of the more interesting storylines extend beyond that.
But, as always in the NBA, player movement and free agency are big draws, so it’s never too early to look ahead to the free agent class of players who may be available during the 2027 offseason. The interesting thing with NBA contracts is that there are multiple levers that could lead to a player being available on the open market.
The simplest are expiring contracts that make players unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, allowing them to sign wherever they choose.
Then there are players who will enter player options or team options. A player option gives the player the right to exercise a one-year term under a salary set during negotiations of the player’s current contract. The team option allows the team to exercise the right to retain the player.
There are also restricted free agents, but it has increasingly become a rarity for opposing teams to snatch away key contributors, since the player’s current team has the option to match an offer sheet. In this case, the player’s current team has all the leverage.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the USA TODAY Sports Top 25 free agents for the 2027 offseason, broken down by their contractual status:
Top 2027 NBA unrestricted free agents
9. Luguentz Dort (Atlanta Hawks)
Guard; 278.3 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.6 rpg in 69 games
He saw a pretty sizable drop in shooting efficiency across the board, and that hurts his case for a long-term deal. He’s a defensive stopper, but a bounce back on offense with the Hawks will be required for a big payday.
8. Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
Guard; 3214.1 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.7 rpg in 60 games (2024-25)
The Rockets suffered last season when VanVleet missed the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and he should stabilize the point guard position this year.
7. CJ McCollum (Atlanta Hawks)
Guard; 3418.7 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.3 rpg in 76 games
His introduction into the Hawks — first as a reserve and then as a closer in the playoffs — shows McCollum is still adaptable and has the ability to assimilate into a system. His defense is an issue, as is his age, but he’s a solid veteran presence who can lift an offense.
6. Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
Forward; 3620.0 ppg, 4.9 apg, 5.6 rpg in 38 games
He will be coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament and turns 37 Sept. 14, but Butler can still be a playmaker when healthy. Butler also coasts at times during the regular season before turning it on in the playoffs; while that may frustrate fans, at his age, it’s just a prudent approach. Either way, it’s reasonable to expect some type of slowdown, given that he’ll be 38 at the start of the 2027-28 season.
5. Tyler Herro (Milwaukee Bucks)
Guard; 2620.5 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.8 rpg in 33 games
He’s a three-level scorer who has focused extensively on his efficiency metrics, and he’s a player who has deftly handled being involved in trade talks throughout his career. Yet, it’s unclear if the Bucks view Herro as a long-term piece, and this season will be telling. Either way, his significant limitations on defense can make him something of a liability when opposing teams target him.
4. RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors)
Guard; 2619.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 5.3 rpg in 57 games
He had his best season (and postseason), so he’s poised to cash in on a solid deal if his production stays the same. And, despite having seven NBA seasons under his belt, he only just turned 26 in June.
3. Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets)
Forward; 2824.2 ppg, 3.0 apg, 7.1 rpg in 52 games
His usage rate jumped up more than 10 percentage points to a career high 30.5% in his first season with the Nets, but he registered only a moderate drop in efficiency metrics. He’s a plus rebounder and thrives on the perimeter, but he’ll need help to lead a team to competitive play.
2. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Guard; 3826.6 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.6 rpg in 43 games
Set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this upcoming season, it’s tough to envision Curry anywhere but Golden State. Despite his age, he remains a lethal shooter and one of the tougher players to guard because of his off-ball movement and quick release.
1. Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)
Forward; 3527.9 ppg, 3.6 apg, 6.4 rpg in 65 games
When he’s available and healthy, Leonard is among the best two-way players in the NBA. The specter of the NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention is no longer hanging over Leonard’s head, so his trade to the Raptors should be resolved soon.
Notable mention: Zach LaVine (Kings), Cameron Johnson (Nuggets), Miles Bridges (Suns), Saddiq Bey (Pelicans), Miles McBride (Knicks), Donte DiVincenzo (Timberwolves), Max Strus (Clippers)
Top 2027 NBA free agents: player options
12. Paul George (Boston Celtics)
Guard/forward; 36; $56.6 million player option for 2027-2817.3 ppg, 3.6 apg, 5.3 rpg in 37 games
Availability and a dropoff in production are the big concerns, though perhaps George could revive his career in Boston, where he should have the green light to shoot from the perimeter. But he’ll have a choice to make — to either secure that lucrative one-year salary for 2027-28, or to opt out instead for a multi-year agreement.
11. Brandon Ingram (Los Angeles Clippers)
Forward; 28; $41.9 million player option for 2027-2821.5 ppg, 3.7 apg, 5.6 rpg in 77 games
This is another interesting case because he’s still in his prime, though the Clippers may not view him as a long-term fixture (assuming the trade for Kawhi Leonard does go through).
10. Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans)
Guard; 29; $30.8 million player option for 2027-2816.7 ppg, 6.4 apg, 5.4 rpg in 14 games
He looked solid in his small-sample return late in the season from a ruptured Achilles tendon, and he is an excellent two-way guard option with some size. A big year could prompt him to decline his option for a more lucrative, long-term deal.
9. Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Guard; 36; $14.1 million player option for 2027-2824.9 ppg, 7.1 apg, 4.7 rpg in 58 games (2024-25)
It’s no sure thing to come off an Achilles tendon rupture, especially as a player of his age. But Lillard is still one of this generation’s all-time shooters, and his style of play should allow for sustained production. Yet, given his desire to return to Portland, it feels like Lillard is there for the long-term.
8. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Center; 34; $38 million player option for 2027-2810.9 ppg, 1.7 apg, 11.5 rpg in 76 games
He is still a dominant defensive force and has been the anchor for the Timberwolves. Though Gobert is offensively limited, there is a demand for rim protectors, though he may want one more chance to ink a lucrative, long-term deal.
7. Anthony Davis (Washington Wizards)
Center; 33; $62.8 million player option for 2027-2820.4 ppg, 2.8 apg, 11.1 rpg in 20 games
This will be an interesting case because, on the open market, Davis won’t see the type of payday available to him through the option. So this will test whether he sees Washington as a longer-term option. Either way, availability and durability concerns continue to prevent Davis from being a dominant force.
6. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
Guard; 34; $42.4 million player option for 2027-2824.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 4.8 rpg in 50 games (2024-25)
He missed all of last season as he recovered from his torn anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in March 2025, so it will be interesting to see how he responds this season. Still, he should remain one of the best ball-handlers in the NBA and a player who can operate in the tightest of spaces. The complicated element in this is that the Mavericks are rebuilding and may have a different timeline to consider.
5. LeBron James (Philadelphia 76ers)
Forward; 41; $4.1 million player option for 2027-2820.9 ppg, 7.2 apg, 6.1 rpg in 60 games
At this point of his career, his best asset is his ability to create plays for others, especially in transition. But by taking the deal James signed this offseason with the Sixers, it was clear this was not about money. He wants to compete for championships, and it’s hard to see James — who is extremely calculated and measured in his career choices — to upend his career once more. Given his age, his workload will need to be managed cautiously.
4. Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
Forward; 37; $46.1 million player option for 2027-2826.0 ppg, 4.8 apg, 5.5 rpg in 78 games
He might be the best pure scorer of this generation, and he still has plenty of offense left to offer, especially with his size and shooting ability. There was the issue of an alleged burner and some potential concerns in the locker room, but Durant has been searching for an elusive third NBA title.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
Center; 30; $61 million player option for 2027-2820.1 ppg, 3.0 apg, 11.9 rpg in 75 games
He showed how versatile he can be when the Knicks altered their offense mid-postseason to run distribution through Towns. He boasts deep shooting range, can pass and rebound and can step up his defensive effort when he wants. He’s in his prime, but foul trouble and some occasional inconsistent stretches can crop up.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami Heat)
Forward; 31; $62.8 million player option for 2027-2827.6 ppg, 5.4 apg, 9.8 rpg in 36 games
He didn’t hand-pick the Heat to not eventually sign a long-term extension there. Because of the trade, he won’t be extension eligible until early January. Either way, he is an offensive force and one of the elite stars in the sport. Nagging calf injuries, however, are a concern worth monitoring.
1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
Center; 31; $62.8 million player option for 2027-2827.7 ppg, 10.7 apg, 12.9 rpg in 65 games
The three-time Most Valuable Player remains the most gifted offensive player on the planet, with his low-post footwork and elite vision and passing ability. He and the Nuggets will almost certainly work out a massive max contract, worth north of $359 million, but Denver needs to find ways to keep Jokić happy with a competitive roster.
Notable mention: Jrue Holiday (Trail Blazers), Jalen Green (Suns), Julius Randle (Nets), Ty Jerome (Grizzlies), Bennedict Mathurin (Pelicans)
Top 2027 NBA free agents: team options
4. Santi Aldama (Dallas Mavericks)
Center; 25; $17 million team option for 2027-2814.0 ppg, 2.9 apg, 6.7 rpg in 43 games
Aldama, a 7-foot, versatile scorer who has improved every season he has been in the league, could be a nice asset for the Mavericks, or any team he’d join. Size and shooting range are his best assets.
3. Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Guard; 24; $2.9 million team option for 2027-2813.6 ppg, 3.6 apg, 3.3 rpg in 57 games
After Mitchell broke out last season, especially in the playoffs, when the Thunder suffered a number of injuries, this team option is a massive bargain for Oklahoma City. The Thunder will likely want to try to negotiate a long-term extension to show goodwill, because Mitchell could become a key — and young — piece in the Thunder’s identity. Luxury tax and apron issues are considerations, but Mitchell is certainly a player worth investing in. If he hits the market, he should command a nice payday.
2. Josh Hart (New York Knicks)
Forward; 31; $22.4 million team option for 2027-2812.0 ppg, 4.8 apg, 7.4 rpg in 66 games
He won’t wow you with his stats, but Hart is versatile and makes the types of winning plays that don’t necessarily show up on the box score. He’s an excellent rebounder and can stroke a decently reliable shot from the perimeter, though he has found his home in New York. He’s a key part of this core. Will salary issues force the Knicks to move on?
1. Norman Powell (Chicago Bulls)
Guard; 33; $22.6 million team option for 2027-2821.7 ppg, 2.5 apg, 3.5 rpg in 58 games
Coming off his first and only All-Star season with the Heat, Powell showed that he can be a steady scoring presence, even when taking on a larger role. But the Bulls are in something of a rebuild, so a veteran of Powell’s age might not fit their timeline.
Notable mention: Isaiah Stewart (Grizzlies), Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies), Isaiah Joe (Pistons), Jaylin Williams (Thunder)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking the top 25 NBA free agents set to hit the 2027 market
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