What happened: Miami can use the exception to acquire a contract without sending out matching salary. It cannot be combined with another exception to accommodate a larger deal.
Why it matters: The mechanism offers another route to fill one of Miami’s three open roster spots before the 2026-27 season. Letting it expire would remove that flexibility.
By the numbers: The exception has $5.616 million available and expires in mid-August.
What to watch: Watch for Miami to complete a deal before the deadline or allow the exception to lapse.