NBA Teams Can Use Exceptions To Claim Waived Players In 2026/27
Under the current CBA, NBA teams may use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, room exception, and bi-annual exception to acquire players through waiver claims. This lets clubs pick up waived players whose salaries do not exceed the mid-level exception, about $15MM for 2026/27. The page tracks those waiver claims.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, NBA franchises have a route to add waived players through waiver claims. They can use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the room exception, or the bi-annual exception to do so.
The approach applies when a waived player's salary does not surpass the mid-level exception, which is approximately $15MM for 2026/27. The page monitors waiver claims made under these rules.
This could affect NBA players on the margins, especially those waived and hoping for another roster spot, as well as teams seeking low-cost depth. Fans and media may see more player movement tracked through waiver claims. Because the rule ties claims to salary exceptions, its practical reach may remain limited to certain contracts and cap situations. It may shape player movement and roster flexibility, though broader social effects are likely indirect.