NBA’s second apron is functioning like a hard cap for most teams

The NBA insists the second apron isn’t a hard cap. For most teams, it certainly seems to be operating like one.

As ESPN’s Bobby Marks detailed, 22 teams have made moves this summer designed to avoid crossing either the first or second apron. That number will increase to 23 if the Raptors complete their trade for Kawhi Leonard.

The Knicks are one of the clearest examples. New York could have exceeded the second apron to retain its own free agents, but owner James Dolan had no interest in doing so.

“We cannot go into the second apron,” Dolan told WFAN. “We’re willing to stretch, but there’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do.”

The defending champions allowed Mitchell Robinson to sign with the Celtics while retaining Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Mohamed Diawara and Jordan Clarkson. Those four players will earn a combined $15 million next season, the same as Robinson’s first-year salary in Boston.

Only the Celtics, Timberwolves, Suns and Cavaliers have finished above the second apron during the past two seasons. None did so in consecutive years. The Nuggets are expected to become the fifth team to cross it this season.

Other organizations have benefited from the financial pressure.

The Hawks used their flexibility to acquire Devin Carter from the Kings, along with Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder. Detroit also took advantage of Oklahoma City’s situation by landing Isaiah Joe, who shot 42.3 percent on 3-pointers last season.

Commissioner Adam Silver believes the system is working, pointing to eight different champions in eight years. The players’ union sees it differently.

“We should have done a better job of fighting back against the second apron,” NBPA executive director David Kelly said. “We’re seeing it decimate teams and force decisions to be made that are not basketball decisions.”

Technically, the apron isn’t a hard cap. Practically, many owners are treating it as one.