What happened: Oklahoma City is permitted to exceed the second apron to re-sign Kenrich Williams because it holds his Bird rights. The second apron does not stop a team from retaining its own free agents, only from acquiring outside salary through most exceptions and trades.
Why it matters: The distinction matters for the champions' roster-building math: Bird rights let Oklahoma City keep a rotation piece without the apron blocking the move. It underscores how a homegrown core can stay intact even as the tightened cap rules squeeze rivals trying to add talent from outside.
By the numbers: The retention follows a reversal on Williams' one-year, $5M deal after Oklahoma City had earlier declined his $7.2M option and sent him to free agency.
What to watch: Watch how Oklahoma City rounds out the remainder of its roster while operating above the second apron this offseason.