The 2027 free agency could restore the salary cap space to the NBA: up to nine teams would have room
The new rules are making it increasingly difficult to sign players, and teams are saving more than ever.
After two consecutive summers with very few teams able to make significant moves in the free agent market, the situation could change significantly in 2027. According to an analysis by ESPN, up to nine franchises could have adequate salary space to strengthen their rosters, although it will all depend on the extensions signed during the upcoming season.
Last summer, it was expected that around ten teams would have salary cap room for 2026. However, that number drastically decreased during the season due to trades and contract extensions.
For example, the Utah Jazz lost their cap space after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., while the Washington Wizards did the same after adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Additionally, franchises like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets focused on securing their players' continuity through long-term extensions.
As a result, only the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026 summer with significant salary cap space, marking the second consecutive year with three or fewer teams having room for major moves.
Up to nine teams could have cap space in 2027
The forecast for next summer is much more optimistic. According to ESPN, the franchises that could enter with salary space are:
Atlanta Hawks
Brooklyn Nets
Chicago Bulls
Golden State Warriors
LA Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans
Sacramento Kings
However, the final number will depend on how the season progresses and the decisions franchises make regarding their key players.
Golden State and Atlanta, the most striking cases
Among all teams, the Golden State Warriors stand out from the rest. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III could become free agents, providing immense flexibility to the California franchise if they choose not to immediately extend their veterans.
However, the most anticipated case is that of the Atlanta Hawks.
With contracts for CJ McCollum, Luguentz Dort, and Jock Landale ending after the season, along with the non-guaranteed salary of Buddy Hield, Atlanta could have up to 50 million dollars in salary space for the 2027 free agency.
Renewals will once again shape the market
As seen in recent years, the actual number of teams with cap space will largely depend on the contract extensions agreed upon during the season.
ESPN notes that a renewal of Michael Porter Jr. with the Brooklyn Nets or an extension of Tyler Herro with the Milwaukee Bucks would significantly reduce the salary cap space of both franchises, potentially removing them from this list.
Furthermore, the NBA maintains its projection that the salary cap will increase by 5.5% in the summer of 2027, the same growth expected for this year and well below the maximum increase allowed by the collective bargaining agreement, set at 10% annually. This salary cap evolution will also be a key factor in determining which teams will truly have the capacity to be major players in the upcoming free agency.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La agencia libre de 2027 podría devolver el espacio salarial a la NBA: hasta nueve equipos tendrían margen
