12 NBA players chase massive paydays in 2027 offseason
A new ESPN roster identifies contract-year free agents whose current contracts expire, including Ty Jerome and Fred VanVleet.
By Alina Carter ·
Twelve NBA players are currently playing on their way out, with contracts expiring or carrying player options that will likely be declined. These athletes are positioned to become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2027, a market where the top tier can command four-year deals worth over $100 million.
The list, compiled by ESPN, excludes stars who have previously made an All-NBA or All-Star team. Notable omissions include Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Players holding team options, such as Josh Hart and Rui Hachimura, were also left off, as were restricted free agents like Daniss Jenkins.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome headlines the starting lineup. The 29-year-old is averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 assists this season. He holds a player option worth $9.7 million for the 2027-28 campaign. If he declines that option, he can sign for up to four years and $72.3 million with any team due to accrued Early Bird rights. If he opts in, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $99.9 million extension.
Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets starts at point guard. The 32-year-old is averaging 12.2 points and 6.8 assists, improving the team's assist rate to 13th in the league. He is an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Houston is projected to be $10 million below the luxury tax in 2027-28, which may influence their decision to re-sign him.
Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks is also a starter. He holds a $4 million player option for 2027-28. While his shooting percentages have dipped this season, he set career highs in points, assists, and rebounds last year. If he declines his option, he can sign a four-year, $100 million extension with Milwaukee.
Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets is listed as a starting forward. The 28-year-old is averaging 20.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. He is eligible for a four-year, $236.5 million extension with the Nets. ESPN predicts he will be traded before the February 11 deadline, which would allow him to sign a three-year, $154 million deal with a new team.
Paul Reed of the Detroit Pistons rounds out the starting five. He is averaging 13.4 points and shooting 65.0% from the field. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Pistons are $24.5 million below the luxury tax, but they have flexibility via non-guaranteed contracts.
The reserve roster includes Kris Dunn, Davion Mitchell, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Kuminga, and Alex Caruso. Dunn is a 2027 unrestricted free agent and a candidate to be traded to recoup a first-round pick. Mitchell, in his final year of a two-year deal, is averaging 16.0 points and 8.0 assists for Miami.
RJ Barrett, also a 2027 unrestricted free agent, is in the final year of a $107 million rookie extension. He is averaging 20.7 points for Toronto. The Raptors face a financial crunch with $23 million below the luxury tax next season. Jonathan Kuminga holds a $6.4 million player option for 2027-28. He has non-Bird rights, limiting the Minnesota Timberwolves' ability to match a max offer to a first-year salary of $7.2 million.
Alex Caruso is the final name on the list. He is a 2027 unrestricted free agent. With Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace injured, his role in Oklahoma City is expected to expand significantly this season.
