The bi-annual exception (BAE) remains a key mechanism for NBA clubs operating over the salary cap, and in 2026/27 it is valued at $5,477,000. Teams may use it to sign a free agent for up to two years and $11,227,850, or to absorb a player in trade whose contract meets the same dollar and term limits. Exercising the BAE hard-caps a franchise at the first tax apron ($209,015,000).
The exception is off-limits to organizations that dip below the cap, exceed the first apron, or used it last season. Five teams—Charlotte, Detroit, the Lakers, Utah and Washington—spent their BAEs in 2025/26 and therefore cannot deploy it again until 2027/28.
Clubs With an Unused 2026/27 Bi-Annual Exception
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Cleveland Cavaliers*
Golden State Warriors*
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers*
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans
Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors
*Cleveland could lose access if a new deal for James Harden pushes payroll above the first apron. Indiana has roughly $2.2 million in room below the apron and still holds part of its mid-level exception, limiting near-term flexibility. Golden State is expected to use the BAE to finalize a reported agreement with De’Anthony Melton.
Teams That Have Already Used the 2026/27 BAE
Dallas Mavericks – $5,198,983 to acquire Marcus Sasser in trade.
Philadelphia 76ers – $3,400,000 to sign free-agent center Ariel Hukporti.
Sacramento Kings – full $5,477,000 to sign forward Precious Achiuwa.
Because of these moves, Dallas, Philadelphia and Sacramento will be ineligible to use the bi-annual exception during the 2027/28 campaign.
Clubs Without 2026/27 BAE Access
Went under the cap: Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls.
Above the first tax apron: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns. While theoretical cost-cutting could restore eligibility, such a scenario is considered unlikely—especially for Oklahoma City, which is already above the second apron.
Used in 2025/26: Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards (eligible again in 2027/28).
Historically only a handful of franchises employ the bi-annual exception each year, but the latest collective bargaining agreement now permits its use in trades, a wrinkle that has already led to increased activity. Additional transactions could still shift the 2026/27 landscape; any changes will be reflected once they occur.
Source: Hoops Rumors
