NBA 2026/27 Season Preview: Title Contenders, Star Transfers and MVP Predictions

The 2026/27 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the league’s most unpredictable campaigns, with high-profile transfers, championship ambitions and renewed expectations surrounding several of its biggest stars. Following the New York Knicks’ championship triumph last season, teams across the league have reshaped their rosters in an effort to close the gap and compete for the title.

The new campaign begins amid a turbulent offseason that included controversy surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers’ ownership, disciplinary issues involving the Los Angeles Clippers and scrutiny over connections between prominent basketball figures and betting companies. Despite these distractions, the upcoming season offers plenty of compelling storylines, particularly with the return of injured players and the arrival of established superstars at new destinations.

Philadelphia 76ers Emerge as Major Offseason Winners

The Philadelphia 76ers have attracted significant attention after strengthening their roster with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Their additions have raised expectations, positioning the team as a potential championship contender. However, questions remain about whether the new lineup can function effectively around Joel Embiid, whose injury history continues to be a major concern.

The combination of several ball-dominant stars could also create challenges in establishing clear offensive roles. Although Philadelphia has the talent to compete with the league’s best, the team's ability to maintain player fitness and develop chemistry will likely determine whether its ambitious project succeeds.

The Eastern Conference has become increasingly competitive, with multiple teams capable of making a serious postseason run. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard have moved to the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined Miami, and Tyrese Haliburton is preparing to return to action. These developments could make the conference's championship race more open than it has been in recent seasons.

San Antonio and Oklahoma City Lead the Western Conference

In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City and San Antonio are expected to remain among the leading contenders. Their talent and depth have created a difficult challenge for rival teams, with few obvious candidates capable of consistently matching their level over the next several years.

San Antonio has also strengthened its supporting cast by bringing in Tobias Harris, whose experience and scoring ability could complement the team's younger players. His potential contribution is particularly valuable because he can provide leadership without necessarily limiting the development opportunities available to the emerging core.

Meanwhile, Denver faces growing concerns about its ability to maximize Nikola Jokic's prime years. The team lost Peyton Watson during the offseason and has not made enough significant additions to convince every observer that it can mount a sustained championship challenge. Its substantial salary commitments have also intensified criticism of its roster management.

The Clippers have encountered their own difficulties following controversy surrounding Kawhi Leonard. Despite the upheaval, the team retained Bradley Beal, whose limited availability last season raises further questions about its prospects.

Denver and Philadelphia Face Pressure to Deliver

Philadelphia and Denver are among the teams most vulnerable to disappointing expectations this season. For the 76ers, the central challenge is whether their star players can remain healthy and work together effectively. LeBron's age, Embiid's injury record and the need to distribute possession among several leading scorers could complicate the team's championship ambitions.

Denver's situation is equally concerning. Jokic remains one of basketball's most influential players, but the lack of major roster improvements has prompted doubts about whether the organization is doing enough to support him. With the Serbian star approaching another season in his prime, the pressure is mounting for the Nuggets to demonstrate that they can build a genuine title-winning team around him.

Indiana and Toronto Could Surprise Their Rivals

Indiana is emerging as a potential surprise package, particularly with Haliburton's return from injury. The Pacers retain much of the roster that reached the NBA Finals, giving them a foundation to compete again if their key players can regain their previous form.

Head coach Rick Carlisle's tactical creativity could also prove decisive as Indiana attempts to re-establish itself among the Eastern Conference's strongest teams. Haliburton's availability and ability to return to his previous level will be crucial to those ambitions.

Toronto is another team attracting attention. The Raptors showed encouraging signs last season, and their prospects could improve further if Kawhi Leonard remains healthy. However, injuries and uncertainty surrounding individual players remain potential obstacles for teams hoping to exceed expectations.

Minnesota is also expected to have a strong roster built around Anthony Edwards, although questions about consistency elsewhere could affect its ability to challenge the Western Conference's leading sides.

Rising Salary Costs Put Pressure on NBA Teams

The league's enormous player salaries remain a major talking point, particularly when expensive contracts are weighed against availability and on-court production.

Jimmy Butler is among the players facing scrutiny, with a reported salary of $56.8 million for the season at age 37 while recovering from an Achilles injury. His two-year, $110 million contract with Golden State was controversial when agreed in early 2025, and uncertainty over his return has intensified concerns about the investment.

De'Aaron Fox's reported $49.5 million salary in San Antonio has also drawn criticism, while Paul George and Butler remain examples of how expensive veteran contracts can become difficult to justify when performance and availability fall short of expectations.

Embiid's reported $58.1 million salary is another focal point, especially given the significant portion of recent seasons he has missed through injury. According to the figures cited in the season preview, he has been unavailable for 150 of 246 games over the past three seasons, representing approximately 61 percent of Philadelphia's games.

Young Players Poised to Make Their Mark

Several emerging players could take important steps forward during the new campaign. Miami's Pelle Larsson is one candidate to watch, with his defensive awareness and understanding of the game providing a foundation for further development on offense. Miami has built a reputation for identifying and developing players who may initially attract little attention elsewhere.

Toronto forward Colin Murray-Boyles is another promising prospect. After showing encouraging signs during his rookie season and the playoffs, improving his shooting could help him become a more influential player.

The rookie race is also expected to attract considerable interest. Cameron Boozer, selected third overall by Memphis, is viewed as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in his class because of his strength, versatility and basketball background. Chicago's fourth pick, Caleb Wilson, is another player generating excitement and could emerge as a notable contributor if he lives up to expectations.

Danny Avdija Faces a Leadership Test in Portland

Danny Avdija enters the season with high expectations after establishing himself as a major contributor for Portland. His performances last season have raised hopes that he can remain among the league's leading players, with further improvement possible if he maintains his health and continues developing his game.

However, the return of Damian Lillard and the arrival of Ja Morant could complicate his role. Both players are expected to seek significant involvement in the offense, creating a challenge for Avdija as he attempts to maintain his influence within the team.

The key question may therefore be less about his basketball ability and more about leadership. Avdija will need to demonstrate that he can assert himself, demand responsibility and guide the team while sharing the floor with established stars.

LeBron James' Legacy Remains Under Discussion

A championship with Philadelphia would add another remarkable chapter to LeBron James' career, potentially strengthening arguments about his standing among the greatest players in basketball history. However, opinions remain divided over whether another title would fundamentally change the debate.

One view is that James has already established the most accomplished career in the sport, regardless of whether he wins another championship. Another perspective places greater emphasis on team success and championship records when comparing him with other legendary players.

At 41, James faces the additional challenge of sustaining his influence against younger competition. His experience and ability remain valuable, but Philadelphia's success will depend on far more than his individual performances.

Other veteran stars will also be looking to make an impact. Stephen Curry, now 38, remains a significant figure for Golden State, while Kevin Durant continues to be Houston's leading offensive option. Durant could enjoy another productive season, particularly if the team's supporting cast helps reduce the burden on him.

Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic Lead MVP Predictions

The race for the NBA Most Valuable Player award is expected to feature several leading candidates. Victor Wembanyama has attracted strong support as a potential winner, with his exceptional defensive impact and continued development making him one of the league's most intriguing stars.

Luka Doncic is another contender, particularly if the Lakers deliver a strong regular-season record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has won the award in consecutive seasons according to the preview, faces the challenge of producing another outstanding campaign to strengthen his position among the league's elite.

The MVP race could ultimately depend on individual statistics, team performance and the ability of each candidate to distinguish himself in an increasingly competitive field.

Oklahoma City and San Antonio Target Championship Glory

Oklahoma City is considered one of the leading championship favorites because of its depth and overall talent. Despite making several roster changes, the team retains a strong foundation and could challenge for another title if its key players remain healthy and its younger contributors continue to improve.

San Antonio, however, is also being tipped to win the championship. Its growing strength and improved supporting cast have raised expectations that the franchise could make a decisive step forward this season.

The Knicks will enter the campaign with the pressure that comes with being defending champions, while Philadelphia will attempt to justify the considerable attention generated by its offseason recruitment. Indiana, Toronto and other emerging teams could also complicate the race.

New NBA Rules Aim to Discourage Tanking

The league is also attempting to address tanking, the practice of deliberately losing games to improve draft positioning. Changes to the draft lottery system are intended to reduce the incentives for teams to finish near the bottom of the standings.

Under the rules described in the preview, the three worst-performing teams will have lower chances of winning the draft lottery than the six teams immediately above them. The changes are designed to encourage more competitive basketball throughout the season and discourage teams from sacrificing results in pursuit of a higher draft pick.

If the measures have their intended effect, teams could face greater pressure to compete until the end of the campaign rather than prioritizing future draft opportunities over winning.

Key Numbers Heading Into the 2026/27 Season

Several statistics help illustrate the scale of the challenges and milestones facing the league's biggest names. LeBron James leads the NBA's all-time regular-season scoring list with 43,440 points, while Curry holds the record for three-pointers made with 4,248.

Wembanyama's reported 2.44-metre wingspan has contributed to his defensive reputation, including a run of three consecutive seasons leading the league in blocks. Haliburton is returning after an absence of 482 days, following the injury he sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 Finals.

Giannis' move to Miami ends a 13-season spell in Milwaukee, while Gilgeous-Alexander will seek to strengthen his place in NBA history with another MVP award. Meanwhile, the Knicks' championship last June ended a 53-year wait for a title, creating a new benchmark for their rivals to chase.

With major transfers, returning stars, emerging prospects and several credible championship contenders, the 2026/27 NBA season promises a compelling battle across both conferences. The biggest questions will be whether Philadelphia's star-studded roster can deliver, whether San Antonio and Oklahoma City can turn their talent into another championship, and which players will rise above the competition.