Warriors’ Stephen Curry isn’t the top NBA free agent set to hit the market in 2027 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is set to hit the free-agent market during the 2027 offseason if he doesn’t re-sign with the team. Considering he’s such a big name in the NBA, it would make sense to think he’s the top NBA unrestricted free agent potentially available after this upcoming season.
But one NBA analyst doesn’t think that’s the case. Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today names Curry the No. 2 best possible unrestricted free agent, putting him behind another star.
That other player is Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors.
Kawhi Leonard gets the edge over Stephen Curry
In a piece discussing the top unrestricted free agents possibly breaking free in 2027, Reyes says that he finds it “tough to envision Curry anywhere but Golden State,” which makes sense. At this point, he’s really the face of the franchise, along with Draymond Green.
“Despite his age, he remains a lethal shooter and one of the tougher players to guard because of his off-ball movement and quick release,” he adds.
But, he puts Leonard a notch above him, despite the drama that surrounded the player as of late.
“When he’s available and healthy, Leonard is among the best two-way players in the NBA,” he says. “The specter of the NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention is no longer hanging over Leonard’s head, so his trade to the Raptors should be resolved soon.”
It was a messy situation with Leonard and his investigation. But, it’s over, and it’s impossible to deny his talent. It’s debatable to say he’s the top unrestricted free agent hitting the market in 2027, but when he’s healthy and the drama isn’t there, it’s easy to make the case that he deserves the title.
The decision by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to take five future first-round draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the salary cap to help funnel additional income to Kawhi Leonard was obviously the most damaging element of the punishment doled out by the league.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer can stomach a $30 million fine. Teams also rountinely weather executive exits or suspensions. Losing half a decade’s worth of draft picks?
The Clippers now have decidedly fewer roster-shaping tools when they appeared ready to take a longer-term approach and build through the draft. The five first-rounders the NBA is taking from them cover the five drafts from 2029-2033. In 2029, the Clippers have their own pick and the Pacers’ pick from the Ivica Zubac trade last season. The NBA is taking the Pacers pick, which will not be returned to Indiana.
And yet as harsh as the punishment is, the Clippers aren’t completely bereft of assets. If their trade to send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is completed, the Clippers will acquire the Raptors’ 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, in addition to a 2027 pick swap.