Evan Mobley's Defensive Player of the Year win triggered a $45 million bonus in his contract, pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers over the second apron and limiting their roster flexibility.
Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year — a huge personal milestone, but one that brings added financial complications for the team.
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Miami HeatMobley is now set to earn $45 million more than expected, thanks to a clause in the five-year, $224.2 million extension he signed in July.
The contract included a performance trigger: if Mobley won DPOY, his salary would jump from 25% of the salary cap to 30%, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
With the award secured, Mobley's deal now stands at a potential $269 million.
His salary for next season rises from $38.7 million to $46.4 million, and the final year of the contract — the 2029–30 season — will now pay him $61.2 million, up from $51.2 million.
That raise pushes the Cavaliers deeper into financial trouble. Their projected team salary for next season is now $219 million, putting them over the NBA's dreaded second apron.
Crossing that threshold comes with serious restrictions: the Cavs will lose access to the taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency, can't use trade exceptions, and won't be able to trade first-round picks more than seven years out.
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