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NBA Preview 2026-27: Reintroduction to the top 9 title contenders

The NBA’s 2026-27 season arrives after a whirlwind of offseason activity, reshaping the league’s title contenders. A record $2.5 billion in free-agent contracts and $1.8 billion in extensions—including Victor Wembanyama’s five-year, $255 million deal—have redefined rosters, while 34 trades involving 90 players (11 of them All-Stars) and a historic luxury tax penalty for the Los Angeles Clippers add layers of uncertainty.

Nine teams now stand out as championship favorites, per BetMGM, with 10 of last season’s All-NBA players on those squads. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, return a core that advanced to the Western Conference Finals despite key injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.

With Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren anchoring a defense ranked among the league’s best, the Thunder aim to build on their top-six offensive efficiency stretch while navigating losses like Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe in cost-cutting moves.

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