NBPA Leaders Push to Soften NBA’s “Second Apron” Salary Cap Mechanism

Implemented in 2023, the NBA’s “second apron” adds a $221.7 million threshold above the $209 million “first apron.” Teams that exceed this level face the steepest luxury-tax penalties and restrictions on adding talent via free agency, trades, and the draft. The current collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) runs through the 2029 season, so any structural change would have to wait for the next round of labor talks.

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Executive director David Kelly—who succeeded former All-Star Andre Iguodala in February—said the union will seek to “soften” or eliminate the second apron, arguing it forces financial rather than basketball decisions. President Fred VanVleet echoed the sentiment, noting that executives, agents and owners are also voicing concerns. Kelly added that without adjustments, the burden falls on players who must accept discounted contracts to keep teammates.

Players’ union chief wants NBA to rethink second apron: ‘We’re not fans’

The Cleveland Cavaliers were the only franchise to breach the second apron in the 2025-26 season. The Boston Celtics cited the apron as a factor in trading 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, while New York Knicks owner James Dolan pledged to stay below the threshold despite winning the 2026 championship. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama signed a five-year, $252 million extension—well below the $302.8 million he could have earned—suggesting players are compromising earnings to keep rosters intact.

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Kelly said it would be “fantastic” if the NBA and NBPA could agree to “some tweaks” to the apron during the current CBA; otherwise, the issue may not be addressed until negotiations after the 2028-29 season. With the CBA set to expire after the 2029 season, any substantive reform is likely several years away.

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• “We are not fans of the second apron,” — David Kelly, NBPA executive director

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• “We did not propose the second apron. We should have done a better job of fighting back against the second apron. In the future, we will have a much more unified union, and we will do a better job of fighting back. ... We're seeing [the apron system] decimate teams and force decisions to be made that are not basketball decisions.” — David Kelly

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• “We’re seeing it decimate teams and force decisions to be made that are not basketball decisions.” — David Kelly

Players’ union chief wants NBA to rethink second apron: ‘We’re not fans’

• “We've seen more teams, GMs, front offices, owners and agents have issues and concerns with the apron as well," VanVleet said.” — Fred VanVleet, NBPA president

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• “The system should not require a player to carry all of that burden.” — David Kelly

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