NBPA executive director David Kelly criticized the NBA's second apron system Friday, calling for it to be softened or eliminated. Kelly argued the salary cap mechanism has forced teams into decisions unrelated to basketball.

"We are not fans of the second apron," said Kelly. "We did not propose the second apron. We should have done a better job of fighting back against the second apron. In the future, we will have a much more unified union, and we will do a better job of fighting back. ... We're seeing [the apron system] decimate teams and force decisions to be made that are not basketball decisions."

Kelly, who took over as union head in February after succeeding Andre Iguodala, disputed commissioner Adam Silver's claim that the apron system promotes parity. Kelly argued the mechanism was implemented in 2023 primarily to control cost related to player salaries.

Under the league's current structure, teams face escalating luxury tax penalties and roster-building restrictions once they cross the $209 million first apron or the $221.7 million second apron. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the only team to exceed the second apron during the 2025-26 season.

The Boston Celtics cited second apron concerns in their decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers this month. New York Knicks owner James Dolan has similarly said his team will avoid second apron penalties, a stance that preceded backup center Mitchell Robinson's departure in free agency.

"I don't know that fans in Boston would say that everyone's making out fine [in the current system], or that fans in New York would say that everyone is making out fine," said Kelly. "You have a [Celtics] team that just came off of a championship [in 2024] that will not have those guys together. We see that as a problem for our members, but also for the fans and for the game."

Fred VanVleet, president of the NBPA, said concerns extend beyond players to executives and agents across the league.

"We've seen more teams, GMs, front offices, owners and agents have issues and concerns with the apron as well," said VanVleet. "It's almost a consensus that it's something that needs to be addressed."

The union also raised concerns about star players feeling pressured to sign below-market deals to preserve their rosters.

Victor Wembanyama agreed to a five-year, $252 million extension on Friday, well below the five-year $302.8 million maximum he could have signed and was offered by the San Antonio Spurs.

Kelly said any changes to the current system would need agreement between the league and union before the current collective bargaining agreement expires, with the next negotiation window opening after the 2028-29 season.