• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

NBA GMs Rank Salary-Cap Apron As Rule That Needs to Change Most

  • NBA.com dropped its 23rd annual NBA GM survey.
  • GMs voted the salary-cap apron regulations as the rule that most needs to change.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

The NBA’s second apron took effect last season, but several GMs already want it gone.

According to NBA.com’s 23rd annual GM survey, roster construction as it pertains to the “restrictive” apron rules was voted as the No. 1 rule the NBA needs to change. One-fifth of the general managers ranked the apron rules as the top issue. This number also includes votes for those who believe the thresholds should be indexed to the team’s market.

The vote comes just a week after the Timberwolves, who have the NBA’s second-highest payroll, traded four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. The trade was unexpected—and was voted the most surprising move of the offseason in the same survey—but it was motivated by salary-cap management.

The second apron for this season is $188.9 million, $48.4 million more than the soft salary cap and $17.5 million above the luxury tax. Four teams are currently above the threshold: the Suns, Timberwolves, Celtics, and Bucks. 

Second-apron violators incur several restrictions for roster construction, including losing the ability to use trade exceptions or send out cash in trades. They are also stripped of the taxpayer mid-level exception, which is often used by capped teams to sign a rotation player, and the right to sign players who are bought out by their previous teams.

The NBA’s salary-cap rules changed as a response to a lack of parity in the league in the 2010s. That decade saw “superteams” like the Heat and Warriors who were formed by bringing together some of the league’s best players—but also benefited from cap loopholes.

Also Receiving Votes

While roster construction was the highest-voted rule change, it received only one-fifth of the votes.

Seventeen percent of GMs voted for a change in the schedule, which includes fewer games and/or reducing the number of back-to-back games. The NBA has put an emphasis on improving its schedule, completely cutting out four games and five nights for teams. The average for back-to-backs per team next season is 14.9, which is down 23% versus a decade ago, but up slightly from 14 last year and 13.3 the year before.

Tied for third with 13% of the vote are playoff format and game flow. The former suggests the playoffs should be seeded 1–16, regardless of conference, similar to what’s done in the WNBA. Another playoff format change lumped into this vote was allowing the top seeds to choose which opponents to play.

For game flow, the GMs voted to either reduce stoppages and replay reviews or institute the G League’s rule of having just one free throw per trip to the charity stripe until the final two minutes of a game.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.