What is the bi-annual exception (BAE)?
A small exception (3.32% of the cap, up to 2 years) usable only every other season, and only by teams below the first apron. Using it hard-caps the team at the first apron.
2023 CBA · Art. VII §6(d)
Who used it this July
Current 2026 offseason data: the Warriors (De'Anthony Melton BAE). Each of those teams is hard-capped at the first apron of $209.0M for the rest of the season.
Common questions
Why 'bi-annual'?
A team that uses it can't use it again the following season — it's available at most every other year.
Does the BAE hard-cap a team?
Yes — any use hard-caps the team at the first apron ($209.0M) for the rest of the season.
See it enforced, not just explained.
Build a trade or signing and the sim rules on it, with the relevant citation when one applies.