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Max contracts decline as teams adapt to NBA salary cap changes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 10:30 AM

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

Max contracts decline as teams adapt to NBA salary cap changes

Summary

During the 2026 NBA offseason, only two players received maximum contracts. Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year max extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Victor Wembanyama secured a five-year max extension with the San Antonio Spurs. The introduction of the second apron in the collective bargaining agreement in 2023 has significantly impacted team financial strategies, leading stars like Kawhi Leonard and Trae Young to take less than maximum deals in their contracts for added team flexibility. This trend indicates a shift in how teams negotiate extensions and manage cap space.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Donovan Mitchell signs max extension with Cleveland Cavaliers.
•Victor Wembanyama agrees to five-year max extension with San Antonio Spurs.
•Kawhi Leonard takes less than maximum salary for cap flexibility.
•Teams now emphasize financial flexibility in player contracts.
•Star players are opting for lower annual raises to benefit their teams.

Latest Updates

10:30 AMYahoo Sports — The NBA Has Turned Max Contracts Into An Endangered Species

What they're saying

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Thanks to the introduction of the second apron, max contracts are becoming far more exclusive in the NBA, although players are still able to secure generational wealth.
— Yahoo Sports

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Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Los Angeles Clippers San Antonio Spurs Toronto Raptors Washington Wizards NBA Basketball