Stephen Curry may be the biggest name on the 2027 free-agent board, but one NBA analyst is giving the edge to Kawhi Leonard.
Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today ranked Curry as the No. 2 potential unrestricted free agent in his look at the players who could be available in 2027, placing him behind Leonard. That might raise some eyebrows at first glance, especially with Curry on track to reach the market in the 2027 offseason if he doesn’t re-sign with the Golden State Warriors.
Reyes said he finds it "tough to envision Curry anywhere but Golden State," and there’s obvious logic there. Curry has become the face of the franchise alongside Draymond Green, and his value still travels well. "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.
Still, Reyes puts Leonard ahead of him. His reasoning is straightforward: "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."
Leonard’s situation has been messy, but the talent has never been the question. Curry is the safer bet to stay put, while Leonard gets the top spot in Reyes’ rankings as the more complete free-agent prize if 2027 really does become an open market.
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