3 sleeper teams that could blow up NBA free agency with superstar signings

The 2026 NBA Draft has come and gone. With AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson selected atop the draft, this class was considered one of the greatest classes in recent memory. Furthermore, the biggest trade chip has already been moved, as Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. Players like LaMelo Ball and Julius Randle have been traded, too. Teams are still looking to improve their rosters, though, so free agency will be the next route toward adding NBA talent.

However, adding external players is always easier said than done. The NBA’s CBA limits how teams can spend, and the best players rarely hit the open market in the first place. Austin Reaves, for example, was slated to be one of the top players available in free agency, but he just agreed to a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even so, there are some superstars hitting the open market this year. Notably, LeBron James is an impending free agent, and it is a huge deal anytime The Chosen One is available to be signed.

Despite the constraints of free agency, there are some teams that will be looking to spend big this offseason, but they might not be the big-market teams that usually pursue superstars. So, which sleeper teams could blow up free agency by signing big-name players?

3. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz tanked last season. So much so that they ended up with the worst record in the Western Conference. Despite a conscious effort to lose games, the team was actively building a team that will be ready to contend as soon as next season. They traded for Jaren Jackson Jr., and they have Walker Kessler returning from injury. Those two should fix Utah’s defensive problems. The team then drafted Peterson second overall. The Kansas product was the best player in the draft and a generational talent in the eyes of many. These players will pair with Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Ace Bailey to form one of the most exciting young cores in the league.

Utah might not be done adding, though. While they have an entertaining starting five already, they could still use a veteran who knows the ropes. Hopes of signing a true superstar are likely overzealous for Utah. Jackson and Markkanen are already glued to pricy contract, and the team still has to re-sign Kessler. The Jazz could surely sign some solid role players to round out their rotation, though. If contract talks with Kessler continue to go south, too, then perhaps they could set their eyes on a big contract free agent replacement.

2. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls were in a great place to be the biggest free agent spenders this offseason. They were expected to have the most cap space in the league this offseason, but instead of waiting until free agency started to get to work, they already took on a big contract via trade.

The Bulls hopped in as the third team in the Julius Randle deal, and they were able to add Nic Claxton without giving up anything of significance. Even after that addition, the Bulls still have money to blow, especially if they don’t re-sign Anfernee Simons or Collin Sexton, which they very well might let walk in free agency after dealing with such a backcourt logjam last season.

Chicago has already had a great offseason. Claxton adds defense, as does the team’s second first-round pick, Dailyn Swain, who was drafted after the team selected Caleb Wilson. The UNC product will now be looked at as the face of the franchise. Although he has star potential, it would make a lot of sense to sign a proven star in free agency.

1. Brooklyn Nets

With the Lakers extending Reaves and the Bulls adding Claxton, the Brooklyn Nets are in a prime position to outbid every other team in free agency for whichever free agent they desire. While the team is in rebuilding mode and only a year removed from drafting five players in the first round, they are a desirable market that a number of players would like to play in.

The team can particularly swing for centers after moving on from Claxton. While Jalen Duren is likely to return to the Detroit Pistons, the Nets could go all in on him by offering something that the Pistons may be uncomfortable giving to their restricted free agent after a shaky postseason run.

There are some up-and-coming wings with star potential that the Nets could offer a chance to reach their ceilings, too. Peyton Watson and Tari Eason fit this description, and their respective teams might not be able to compete with what the Nets can offer. Brooklyn needs to take the next step forward, and a superstar free agent signing would be the best way to get there.

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