Could the 2027 NBA offseason produce the greatest free-agent class in league history? Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are among a remarkable collection of stars who could theoretically become available.
There is an important catch: many of the biggest names hold player options or are eligible for extensions, making it unlikely that every superstar will actually reach the open market.
Nikola Jokić Faces Record $359.5 Million Decision
Jokić has the potential to become the headline act of the 2027 market, but remaining with Denver is considered the far more likely outcome.
The three-time MVP will earn approximately US$59 million during the 2026-27 season before holding a US$62.8 million player option for 2027-28.
Declining that option would make him an unrestricted free agent. It could also allow Jokić to sign an estimated five-year, US$359.5 million extension with Denver—potentially the richest contract in NBA history.
Jokić has delayed signing an extension because waiting could make him eligible for a more lucrative agreement. That decision should not be treated as confirmation that he intends to leave the Nuggets.
NBA.com reports that Jokić has expressed a desire to spend his entire career in Denver. The Nuggets will nevertheless remain under pressure to build a championship-level roster around him while navigating the league’s restrictive second-apron rules.
Stephen Curry Is A Genuine Unrestricted Free Agent
Unlike Jokić and several other superstars, Curry does not hold a player option for 2027-28. His current contract expires following the 2026-27 campaign, placing him on course to become an unrestricted free agent.
The two-time MVP is scheduled to earn approximately US$62.6 million in the final year of his deal.
Curry will be 39 by the beginning of the 2027-28 season, but his shooting, movement and influence on opposing defences could still make him one of the market’s most valuable players.
A departure from Golden State remains difficult to imagine. The Warriors selected Curry with the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, and he has since led the franchise to four championships while becoming the NBA’s career leader in three-pointers.
Golden State’s performance during the coming season could shape the negotiations. Curry has repeatedly expressed his desire to compete for another championship rather than merely complete a ceremonial farewell tour.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Decline Player Option
Antetokounmpo will earn approximately US$58.5 million with Miami in 2026-27 before holding a US$62.8 million option for the following season.
He could become an unrestricted free agent by declining that option, although leaving Miami after only one season would be a major surprise.
The Heat made a substantial investment to acquire Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, trading Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis and significant draft capital while also receiving Bobby Portis.
A more realistic scenario would involve Antetokounmpo signing an extension or restructuring his contractual position without seriously exploring other teams.
Kevin Durant Has Another Option Decision
Durant will hold a US$46.1 million player option for the 2027-28 season after earning approximately US$43.9 million during the coming campaign.
The Houston forward will be approaching his 39th birthday by the start of 2027-28 but remains one of basketball’s most efficient scorers.
Whether Durant explores the market could depend heavily on Houston’s championship prospects. The Rockets acquired him to provide elite scoring and experience alongside their younger core.
If the partnership succeeds, opting in or negotiating another agreement with Houston would appear logical. Another disappointing postseason could create fresh uncertainty.
LeBron James Could Reach Free Agency Again
James signed a two-year contract worth approximately US$8 million with Philadelphia, including a player option for the second season.
He will earn US$3.88 million in 2026-27 before deciding whether to exercise his US$4.07 million option.
James described his Philadelphia move as his “last decision,” making retirement or remaining with the 76ers appear considerably more likely than another change of teams.
However, if he declines the option and decides to play a 25th NBA season, he would technically become an unrestricted free agent.
Karl-Anthony Towns Holds $61 Million Option
Towns is scheduled to earn approximately US$57.1 million in 2026-27 before deciding on a US$61 million player option.
After helping New York win the 2026 championship, there is little immediate reason to expect him to leave the Knicks.
Declining the option could instead be a mechanism for securing a longer and more lucrative contract. Towns would be 31 at the beginning of the 2027-28 season, placing him in a different age bracket from many of the veteran stars projected to headline the class.
Anthony Davis Eligible For Major Extension
Davis could disappear from the prospective class well before free agency begins.
The Washington Wizards big man holds a US$62.8 million player option for 2027-28 but became eligible on August 6 to negotiate a reported four-year extension worth approximately US$275 million.
If Washington and Davis reach an agreement, his free-agent question will be resolved.
If negotiations fail, Davis could decline his option and test the market. Exercising the option may still be the safer financial decision depending on his health and performance during 2026-27.
Kyrie Irving’s Recovery Will Shape Decision
Irving is due approximately US$39.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a US$42.4 million option for the following season.
His market will depend on how successfully he returns from the ACL injury suffered in March 2025.
Irving will be 35 during the 2027 offseason. If he performs at an All-Star level, declining the option could create an opportunity to seek another multi-year contract. If injuries or reduced production remain an issue, opting in would provide greater security.
Jimmy Butler And Kawhi Leonard Have Expiring Deals
Butler and Leonard are two other major names currently on course to become unrestricted free agents without making an option decision.
Butler will earn approximately US$56.8 million in the final season of his Golden State contract. He will be 37 during the 2027 offseason, and his value will depend heavily on his recovery from the ACL injury he suffered in January 2026.
Leonard’s contractual situation is more complicated. His proposed move from the Los Angeles Clippers to Toronto remains unresolved while the NBA investigates the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
Under his existing deal, Leonard will earn approximately US$50.3 million in 2026-27 before becoming an unrestricted free agent. He could come off the market earlier by agreeing to an extension once his immediate club situation is settled.
Why The Historic Class May Never Materialise
The potential group is extraordinary, but the final 2027 market will almost certainly look different.
Jokić, Antetokounmpo, Towns, Durant, Davis and Irving must decline lucrative player options to become available. Several could sign extensions long before the free-agent negotiating period begins.
Curry, Butler and Leonard are genuine unrestricted free agents under their present contracts, although each could also reach a new agreement with his current club.
The class could also feature younger unrestricted free agents such as Michael Porter Jr., Tyler Herro and RJ Barrett, along with restricted free agents from the 2023 draft class who do not sign rookie extensions.
The names make 2027 fascinating. The real drama will be discovering which superstars actually reach the market.
