NBA defends the second apron as players push back

On Friday, Oct. 9, the league’s communications account said the number of roster spots has stayed the same since the second apron took effect, and annual salaries have risen by nearly $1.3 billion, roughly 30% for all classes of players, according to Bleacher Report.

The statement followed comments from Knicks guard Bruce Brown, who told the New York Post that teams cited the second apron when they passed on him in free agency. “It kind of sucks for us,” he said of the middle-tier players, as quoted by NBC Sports. The league didn’t name him.

The second apron sits around $222 million this season. Teams above it face the harshest tax penalties. They also can’t take players in sign-and-trades or combine contracts to match salary in trades.

Where the argument gets tricky

The league’s numbers are about the whole pie, and its critics are talking about slices. NBC’s analysis says the statement is accurate on the facts but misses the bigger picture.

Its point is that fan trust is eroding when a champion like the Knicks lowballs Karl-Anthony Towns to stay under the line.

The players’ union has been blunter. Executive director David Kelly said in July that “We are not fans of the second apron” and argued it should be softened or removed, according to ESPN.

The same report says Boston cited the apron when it traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, and Dolan has said the Knicks will avoid it despite the title.