The new CBA and apron rules have undoubtedly changed how teams are able to build their rosters. Recently, ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote about how specific teams have been impacted by the second-apron restrictions, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were a second-apron team this past season.
"What the apron rules do to teams is force you to prioritize what players to retain and also put a greater emphasis on your former draft picks to play a greater role," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.
"In the case of the Timberwolves, there is now a greater emphasis on 2024 first-round draft picks Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr.