The Unprecedented 2027 NBA Free Agent Class: Why Jokić, Giannis, And Embiid Could Reshape The League

The 2027 NBA free agency period is rapidly shaping up to be one of the most consequential in league history, not just for the star power available, but for the sheer number of generational talents who hold the keys to their own destinies. As of today, December 14, 2025, the class is headlined by a trio of former MVPs—Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid—all of whom possess lucrative Player Options that could unleash a tidal wave of cap space maneuvers across the league.

This class features a fascinating mix of established legends entering the twilight of their careers and prime superstars looking for one final, massive contract. The decisions made by these elite players, particularly the Big Three centers, will dictate the championship landscape for the latter half of the decade and provide an unprecedented opportunity for cap-rich contenders and rebuilding franchises alike. The potential for movement makes the 2027 offseason a must-watch event for every NBA fan and executive.

The Big Three: Player Options That Could Explode the Market

The defining feature of the 2027 free agent class is the trio of superstar centers who can opt out of the final year of their contracts. Their presence on the market would instantly reset the power balance of the entire league, creating a frenzy unlike any seen before.

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• Nikola Jokić (Center, Denver Nuggets)

  The three-time MVP has a $62.8 million Player Option for the 2027-28 season. While Jokić has repeatedly expressed a desire to stay in Denver, the prospect of a 32-year-old, two-time champion hitting the open market is a theoretical prize that every team will be preparing for. His decision will be the single most impactful domino in the 2027 offseason.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Power Forward/Center, Milwaukee Bucks)

  Similar to Jokić, Giannis holds a $62.8 million Player Option for the 2027-28 season. The 'Greek Freak' will be turning 33 that year, but his combination of size, athleticism, and two-way dominance suggests he will still be a top-five player. His recent contract extension was structured to allow this flexibility, giving him maximum leverage over the Bucks' long-term roster construction.

• Joel Embiid (Center, Philadelphia 76ers)

  Embiid's contract contains a $59.0 million Player Option for the 2026-27 season, which, if declined, would make him an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in the summer of 2027. The former MVP's history of injuries and the 76ers' championship aspirations in the preceding years will heavily influence his choice. If he hits the market, a bidding war for the dominant scoring big man is guaranteed.

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The collective possibility of these three superstars becoming available simultaneously is what gives the 2027 class its unprecedented historical weight. Even if only one opts out, the market dynamics will be drastically altered.

The Top Tier of Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA)

Beyond the Player Option stars, the 2027 class features a strong group of players whose contracts are set to expire, making them clear Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA). This list includes a mix of established veterans and players in their late 20s entering their second or third major contract.

The Generational and Veteran Stars

The 2027 UFA group includes several future Hall of Famers who will be playing for their final major contract, or potentially a team-friendly deal to chase a championship.

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• Trae Young (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)

  Young is arguably the top clear UFA of the class. His Designated Rookie Scale Extension is set to expire, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2027. At 28 years old, Young will be in his prime and will command a max contract from any team looking for an elite, high-volume scoring and passing point guard. His availability will be a major storyline.

• Stephen Curry (Point Guard, Golden State Warriors)

  By 2027, Curry will be 39 years old. While his age suggests a decline, his legendary status and unparalleled shooting prowess mean he will still be a highly sought-after commodity, likely commanding a significant salary in the range of $62.5 million or more, should he choose to continue his career.

• Kawhi Leonard (Small Forward, LA Clippers)

  Leonard is also set to become a UFA at age 36. His free agency will be entirely dependent on his health and production in the years leading up to 2027. If he remains an elite two-way force, he will be a top target for contenders, potentially seeking a short-term, high-value deal.

• Jimmy Butler (Small Forward, Miami Heat)

  Butler is projected to be an UFA at 38 years old. Known for his playoff intensity and leadership, his value will transition from a top scorer to an elite veteran presence, making him an ideal target for teams needing a proven winner to anchor their locker room.

Key Mid-Tier and Rising Stars Hitting the Market

The depth of the 2027 class extends far beyond the superstars. The following players will be vital for teams looking to fill out their rosters with high-impact starters and elite role players, providing significant topical authority to the class.

These players, mostly in their late 20s or early 30s, will be seeking their most lucrative contracts, making them essential pieces for teams not in the running for a max-slot player.

• Tyler Herro (Guard, Miami Heat)

  Herro is a clear UFA in 2027 at age 27, putting him squarely in his prime. His combination of scoring and playmaking makes him a high-value asset, likely commanding a near-max deal from a team needing a primary offensive engine.

• Jordan Poole (Guard, Phoenix Suns)

  Poole will be a UFA at age 28. His high-volume scoring and streaky shooting will make him a polarizing but sought-after player, especially for teams looking to inject instant offense into their second unit or starting lineup.

• Donte DiVincenzo (Guard, New York Knicks)

  DiVincenzo is set to be a UFA at age 30. His value as a three-and-D wing with championship experience will be extremely high, making him a priority target for contending teams using their mid-level exception or cap space.

• Josh Green (Guard/Forward, Dallas Mavericks)

  Green, a UFA at age 27, represents the type of young, athletic wing that every team covets. His defensive versatility and improving three-point shot will ensure he receives a significant long-term contract offer.

• Caris LeVert (Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers)

  LeVert will be a veteran UFA at age 33. His ability to create his own shot and serve as a secondary playmaker will make him a valuable veteran bench scorer for many teams.

• Klay Thompson (Guard, Golden State Warriors)

  While his contract status can shift, Thompson is another veteran star who will be 37 in 2027. Like Curry, his value will be tied to his health and his legendary shooting, making him a potential championship-chasing signing.

Other notable entities and LSI keywords that contribute to the topical authority of the 2027 free agency class include: Anthony Davis (Player Option), Karl-Anthony Towns (Player Option), Donovan Mitchell (Player Option), Kyrie Irving (Player Option), Tre Jones, Tre Mann, Tyler Kolek, and RJ Barrett (UFA or PO depending on subsequent extensions).

The Salary Cap Context: The Financial Power of 2027

The financial landscape of the NBA in 2027 will amplify the impact of this free agent class. The league's new media rights deals are expected to continue driving the salary cap upward, giving teams unprecedented financial flexibility to offer max-level contracts.

Current projections estimate a continued increase in the NBA salary cap, which could be around the $183 million mark for the 2027-2028 season, with the luxury tax threshold pushing even higher. This massive increase in available money means that multiple teams will be able to offer max contracts to the likes of Jokić, Giannis, or Trae Young without crippling their ability to fill out the rest of their roster.

The rising cap, combined with the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) rules, will force teams to be incredibly strategic. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and other rebuilding franchises that have accumulated draft capital and maintained cap flexibility are perfectly positioned to make a seismic splash in this market, should any of the superstar Player Options be declined. The 2027 offseason is truly the one teams have been quietly hoarding assets for.