Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTechnically, supermax reflects a player with 7-9 years of service signing at the 35 percent maximum. But informally, it's used to include those coming off rookie-scale contracts earning the 30 percent max.
For this analysis, supermax will be used for both scenarios.
Additionally, the rookie-scale supermax can be agreed to on a maybe. The veteran supermax (for those in the 7-9 range) requires the player to prequalify. For example, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed the latter after winning Most Valuable Player, but others like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Darius Garland signed for up to 30 percent but ultimately didn't meet the criteria.
A year prior, Luka Dončić had qualified by earning All-NBA (first-team) honors in 2020 and 2021, while Trae Young signed in August 2021, but his higher salary didn't lock in until May 2022 with an All-NBA nod (third team).
Others who signed for but did not qualify for the higher max include Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell, De'Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Players on rookie-scale extensions are eligible for the supermax, regardless of how often they've changed teams. Veterans only qualify if they haven't been traded after their fourth season, which is why Domantas Sabonis (after earning a second-team All-NBA honor) was not eligible in Sacramento with the Kings after a trade from the Indiana Pacers.
Finally, while an extension adding five additional years is technically a six-year extension, the former will be utilized.
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