Earlier this week, we reviewed the NBA offseason patterns that emerged during the opening weeks of 2026 free agency. Now we turn our focus to the players, clubs, contracts and choices poised to shape summer 2027.

Which names will stand out? Which organizations project the largest cap room? Might draft lottery adjustments alter how clubs approach superstar trades?

We look ahead nearly a year to explore these questions.

Jump to a section:
The return of salary cap space?
FAs to watch: Giannis, KD, more
How Warriors retool around Steph
Should Nuggets worry about Jokic?
Max and rookie extensions to watch
Aprons' impact on Thunder, Knicks
Traded picks to watch | '27 prospects

Will cap space be more prevalent next offseason?

Last August, we flagged 10 teams that might hold cap space in 2026. Over the course of the season that list narrowed to the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers once clubs such as the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards added stars via the trade deadline. The Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets instead issued long-term extensions or re-signed core players.

This summer marked the second straight offseason with three or fewer teams holding room.

Next summer the number of projected cap teams could range from three clubs to nearly a third of the league. The Atlanta Hawks, Nets, Bulls, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings could enter summer 2027 with room.

The Warriors headline the group because Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III can reach free agency, yet Atlanta could prove the biggest surprise.

With CJ McCollum, Luguentz Dort and Jock Landale on expiring deals plus Buddy Hield's non-guaranteed salary near 10 million dollars, the Hawks could create up to 50 million dollars in cap space.

Available cap room league-wide will again hinge on extensions signed during the regular season and on the salary cap, which the league projects to rise just 5.5 percent for the second consecutive offseason.

Who are the top free agents in 2027?

Like available cap space, the list of potential free agents will likely shrink as the 2026-27 season unfolds.

The current group could feature former MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo, Curry, Nikola Jokic and LeBron James along with All-Stars Butler, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, Brandon Ingram and Kyrie Irving.

Players signing large deals with new teams remains uncommon. Of the 35 free agents who changed clubs this summer, only two signed for more than 25 million dollars in year one. Since 2022 just eight players have signed elsewhere for more than 20 million dollars in the first season.

Top names to watch in 2027 free agency include franchise-level talents such as Antetokounmpo, Curry and Jokic; All-NBA level players such as Leonard, James and Towns; All-Star level options such as Butler, Davis, Durant, Ingram and Irving; plus numerous top starters and role players.

Is 2027 the Warriors' final offseason to build around Steph?

It would almost be an insult to label this season a gap year while Curry remains on the roster.

The path forward is to win, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated. With Butler's uncertain recovery and a modest offseason, Golden State will likely compete for one of the final play-in spots in 2026-27. Coach Steve Kerr expects a motivated bounce-back campaign.

Barring trades of their three available first-round picks, next summer appears set for a roster overhaul around Curry. Depending on a possible extension, Golden State could enter 2027 with a clean cap sheet and between 50 million and 100 million dollars in space.

Should there be concern about Jokic's future in Denver?

We are not ready to raise alarms in Denver, especially after Jokic signaled his intent to re-sign next summer. He remains under contract for two seasons and could sign a five-year, 359.5 million dollar deal as a free agent. The Nuggets' finances shaped their quiet offseason, and they project to sit 14 million dollars below the luxury tax next summer.

Will extensions impact next year's free agent class?

Since the current CBA began, an average of 23 players have signed extensions each season. So far this offseason only four veterans and one rookie have done so. Several notable 2027 free agents remain eligible to extend, and rookie extension candidates often sign closer to the regular season.

Who are the supermax candidates to watch this season?

Tyrese Maxey and Anthony Edwards headline the list. Maxey needs another All-NBA nod to unlock a four-year, 301 million dollar extension next summer. Edwards must meet the same threshold after falling short of the games-played requirement last season. Other players to monitor include Jaden McDaniels, Zion Williamson and Jalen Johnson.

Who will be eligible for rookie extensions next summer?

The streak of former number-one picks signing five-year rookie max extensions will likely end. Still, the class of 2024 offers several intriguing candidates, including Stephon Castle in San Antonio, where financial flexibility remains despite recent max deals.