Which teams are over the NBA’s salary cap apron? Extra luxury tax restrictions added

A raft of NBA salary cap alterations officially go live today, July 1, after the league renegotiated the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the upcoming season.

The new deal includes two ‘aprons’ - essentially additional tiers of salary cap restrictions - that are designed to ensure parity in the league. The first apron is set at $178.7 million, while the second apron is at $189.5 million. These impose additional restrictions above the salary cap ($140.6 million) and the luxury tax threshold ($170.8 million).

Teams who cross the new aprons will be subject to a number of harsh new penalties; including the freezing of first-round picks and a ban on cash use in player trades. With these restrictions now live, there are 12 teams who need to make alterations swiftly or face the punishments.

Teams affected by the salary cap apron

“I’m thrilled with the level of competition,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the board of governors back in April. “I’m not anti-dynasty, but you want dynasties to be created, to the extent possible, with a level playing field.”

The latest salary restrictions are an attempt to ensure that teams must think strategically when constructing their roster, punishing those who rack up huge wage bills.

As it stands, ESPN report that six teams are above the first salary cap apron: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. There are a further six teams thought to be in breach of the second salary cap apron, leaving them in danger of facing the tougher penalties. Those teams are: Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.

The Celtics secured a record 18th championship last month and they should be able to keep the core of this title-winning team together in 2024/25. The majority of the top players are still under contract, meaning that they are unlikely to lose any key names despite the threat of restrictions on any potential incomings.