What happened: A three-year salary breakdown shows a deal starting at the $2.6 million veteran minimum in 2024-25, rising to $3.7 million on a non-Bird contract in 2025-26, then jumping to $15.2 million in 2026-27 once Early Bird rights apply.

Why it matters: The structure illustrates how NBA cap mechanics let a team retain a player at a below-market rate for two seasons before a steep raise kicks in once Early Bird eligibility unlocks a bigger allowable deal. That timing gives a front office two cheap seasons of production before facing a much larger cap hit.

What to watch: Watch whether the team carrying this contract into 2026-27 uses the Early Bird jump to re-sign the player long-term or manages the cap hit through a trade before the season begins.