NBA 2K27 MyTeam has reintroduced Evolutions, allowing eligible player cards to be upgraded through in-game challenges. The feature matters because it can improve a card’s statistics, rarity and badge quality, giving new players a way to strengthen an early squad without spending currency.

Only specially designated Evolution cards can be upgraded, and requirements become more demanding at higher stages or rarities; one Emerald Walker upgrade requires playing a game, while a later one requires 20 assists across any number of games. Players can initially choose one of five free Emerald Evolution cards, but can eventually obtain all five by completing the full challenge set, creating a potentially useful starting line-up.