There is a growing feeling that the summer of 2027 will be one of the most significant offseasons in NBA history.
Several top players will be hitting free agency around that time, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young.
Teams across the league are already planning ahead for that summer, with many of them keeping their cap sheets clear to make room for a big move.
The Lakers and Warriors are among the organisations preparing to clear space ahead of 2027. Miami Heat have also signalled a similar approach, while other franchises will almost certainly follow suit.
Bucks targeting Nikola Jokic to support Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship ambitions
The Bucks are not just looking to keep Giannis long-term – they are also lining up plans to pair him with another MVP-calibre player.
According to Sam Amick, there is real interest within the organisation in bringing Nikola Jokic to Milwaukee. That would be one way of addressing any lingering questions about the strength of the supporting cast around Giannis.
There has been ongoing talk that ‘The Greek Freak’ is not entirely convinced he has enough help to chase another championship.
A partnership with Jokic would put an end to those doubts in a hurry and create one of the most imposing frontcourts we have seen in years.
Amick revealed: “I had a Bucks person give me a hard time and say they were just happy that I included Joker in a column about (20)27, because they were tired of Giannis being by himself.”
Normally, you would expect Jokic to have already re-upped with Denver by now. But his hesitation has left a window open for other teams, and Milwaukee are clearly watching closely.
Lakers and Warriors looking ahead to historic free agency class
Amick believes the Lakers and Warriors, among other teams, are already eyeing Jokic, Giannis, and Mitchell ahead of what is expected to be a landmark free agency window.
The chance to land top-tier talent has put a noticeable influence on how front offices are shaping their rosters even years in advance.
“Just because there’s no panic in Denver, which that does matter to me, that has not stopped some of these other teams from making decisions that are at least in part tied to the type of players who might be available in the summer of (20)27 and Joker being one of them.
“Lakers and Clippers are signaling that they want freedom in 2027. The Warriors are doing the same thing. That’s not just about Giannis. That’s about the possibility of Joker, the possibility of Donovan,” Amick said.
If Milwaukee were to pull off pairing Giannis with Jokic, it would take a total teardown of their existing roster to clear enough cap room.
The only way forward would be for both players to take less money than they could command elsewhere – a move focused more on winning titles than chasing max contracts.
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