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NBPA Demands Luxury-Tax Apron Removal as Stars Shift

7/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NBPA director David Kelly said the apron must be softened or removed.
The luxury-tax creates a $221.7 million second apron, which only the Cleveland Cavaliers exceeded in 2025-26.
The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown while the Knicks, who vowed to avoid the apron, lost Mitchell Robinson.
NBPA president Fred VanVleet said owners and agents fear the apron forces star players into contracts, warning it will linger until talks after the 2028-29 season.

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Story summary

NBPA director David Kelly said the apron must be softened or removed.
The luxury-tax creates a $221.7 million second apron, which only the Cleveland Cavaliers exceeded in 2025-26.
The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown while the Knicks, who vowed to avoid the apron, lost Mitchell Robinson.
NBPA president Fred VanVleet said owners and agents fear the apron forces star players into contracts, warning it will linger until talks after the 2028-29 season.