What happened: The Sacramento Kings are trading guard Devin Carter and a future second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. Carter has two years and roughly $12.6 million left on his contract. The deal moves Sacramento out of the second apron.
Why it matters: Clearing the second apron restores significant roster-building tools for the Kings, including the ability to aggregate salaries in trades and access to more flexible exception and pick mechanisms. The move comes during an active Sacramento offseason that has already reshaped the team's books. For Atlanta, the addition brings a young guard on a cost-controlled deal plus future draft capital.
By the numbers: Devin Carter's remaining salary: $5.2M in 2026-27 and $7.4M in 2027-28, about $12.6M total across two seasons.
What to watch: Watch whether Sacramento converts its restored flexibility into further offseason moves now that it sits below the second apron.