What happened: The NBA is signaling more modest salary cap growth ahead. After the cap rose 6.669% for 2026-27, the league's next projection calls for a smaller 5.479% increase, lifting the cap to roughly $174 million for the 2027-28 season.

Why it matters: A slower-growing cap tightens the math for front offices planning multi-year payrolls and extensions. Teams that budgeted around steeper year-over-year jumps may have less room than expected, reshaping how contracts and tax bills line up over the next two offseasons.

What to watch: Watch whether the league revises the 2027-28 figure as new national and local media revenue comes in, which could move the projection before it is finalized.