Let's be real: NBA free agency has become a math exam. If you’re a fan trying to figure out how your team is going to get better this summer without having a spare $40 million in cap space, you've probably heard the term Mid-Level Exception (MLE) tossed around like a hot potato.
It's the ultimate "Goldilocks" contract. It’s not the max, but it’s a lot more than the veteran minimum. For most teams, it’s the only way to snag a starting-caliber player or a high-end Sixth Man when they’re already deep in the luxury tax weeds. But the 2025 landscape is different. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is basically a bouncer at a club, and the "second apron" is the velvet rope that’s keeping the big spenders away from the best toys.
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If you’re looking at nba mle candidates 2025, you have to understand that we aren't just talking about one pile of money. There's the Non-Taxpayer MLE (projected at roughly $14.1 million), the Taxpayer MLE (around $5.7 million), and the Room Exception (about $8.8 million).
Getting this right matters. One wrong signature and a team is "hard-capped," meaning they can't spend a penny over a certain limit for the rest of the year. It's high stakes, high-stress basketball business.
The Big Fish: Who Fits the $14.1 Million Slot?
Usually, the Full MLE is reserved for the "glue guys" who change championships. Think Donte DiVincenzo or Bruce Brown. In 2025, the market is a bit weird. Some guys who think they are $20-million-a-year players might find the well dry and have to settle for the $14.1 million starting salary.
Naz Reid (The Dream Target)
Honestly, every GM in the league has Naz Reid’s jersey in their closet. He’s the reigning Sixth Man of the Year type who can shoot, handle, and bang inside. While he has a player option, if he opts out, he’s going to be looking for a raise. If the market is tight, a team with the full Non-Taxpayer MLE might try to woo him with a long-term deal starting at that $14 million mark.
Bobby Portis
The mayor of Milwaukee. He’s got a player option for about $14.5 million. If he decides he wants a fresh start or the Bucks decide to pivot, he is the quintessential MLE target. He brings "crazy eyes" energy and legitimate floor spacing. You don't find many 6'10" guys who can shoot 40% from deep for that price.
Why NBA MLE Candidates 2025 are Harder to Find This Year
You've probably noticed that teams are terrified of the "Second Apron." If a team like the Suns or Celtics stays above that $207.8 million line, they lose their MLE entirely. Gone. Poof.
This creates a "squeezed middle" class. Players who used to get $18 million are now being offered $12 million because teams are scared of the tax penalties.
The "Taxpayer" Tier ($5.7 Million)
This is where the veterans go to ring-chase. We’re talking about guys like Al Horford or Chris Paul if they decide to keep playing. At 39 or 40 years old, they aren't looking for the bag; they’re looking for a rotation spot on a contender.
- T.J. McConnell: He’s the kind of pest every playoff team needs.
- Josh Okogie: Elite defense, shaky shot, but perfect for a Taxpayer MLE.
- Luke Kornet: The "Eclipse" himself. Solid rim protection for a fraction of the cost.
The Restricted Free Agent Trap
Here is where it gets spicy. Teams often use the MLE to sign Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) to "poison pill" offer sheets.
Take Josh Giddey or Jonathan Kuminga. If their current teams don't extend them, a rival could technically use their MLE to start an offer. However, let’s be honest: $14.1 million isn't enough to pry Kuminga away from the Warriors. But for someone like Quentin Grimes or Santi Aldama? That’s the sweet spot.
Aldama is a fascinating name. He’s 7 feet tall, shoots the three, and fits the modern "stretch" mold perfectly. If Memphis feels the crunch, a team like OKC or Orlando could slide in with a full MLE offer and make the Grizzlies sweat.
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The "Room" Exception: The Stealth Move
Don't sleep on the Room Exception ($8.8 million). This is for teams that actually had cap space, spent it, and still have a little left over.
It’s often used for:
- Solid backup point guards (think Ty Jerome or Tre Jones).
- Aging wings who can still give you 20 minutes of 3-and-D (like Dorian Finney-Smith).
- Reclamation projects.
Reality Check: The Market is Shifting
Basically, the 2025 offseason is going to be about value. The days of overpaying for "maybe" starters are over. If you're one of the nba mle candidates 2025, you're competing against a league that is suddenly very obsessed with "cost-controlled assets."
We're seeing more teams opt for rookie-scale players over mid-level vets. Why pay a vet $14 million when a 21-year-old on a draft contract gives you 80% of the production for $4 million? It’s cold, but it’s the reality of the new CBA.
Surprising Names to Watch
Keep an eye on Caris LeVert. He’s a bucket-getter. Teams always need scoring off the bench. If the Cavs move in a different direction, LeVert at the full MLE is a steal for a team like the Lakers or Heat who desperately need someone to create their own shot when the stars rest.
Then there's Gary Trent Jr. He’s been in salary limbo for a while. If he can't find a $20 million deal, he might take a "one-plus-one" (a two-year deal with a player option) at the MLE level to reset his value for 2026.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking your team's moves this summer, here is how you should actually evaluate their MLE usage:
- Check the Apron Status: Before you scream at your TV for not signing a big name, check if your team is over the second apron. If they are, they literally cannot use this exception.
- Look for Versatility: In the modern NBA, a $14 million player who can only do one thing (like just shoot or just block shots) is a liability. Look for candidates who can switch defensively.
- The 3-Year Rule: Most MLE contracts are 3 or 4 years. If a team gives a 32-year-old a 4-year MLE, that’s a red flag. You want that money going to guys in their mid-20s.
- Hard-Cap Awareness: Remember that using the Full Non-Taxpayer MLE hard-caps a team at the first apron. This limits their ability to make trades later in the season.
The 2025 free agency period won't be defined by where the superstars go—most of them are already locked up. It will be defined by which smart front office finds the next starting-caliber gem hidden in the mid-level ranks.
To get a head start on your team's off-season math, start by auditing their current guaranteed contracts against the projected $154.6 million salary cap. Identify if they have access to the $14.1 million or if they're restricted to the $5.7 million "taxpayer" sliver. Once you know their "buying power," look for players like Santi Aldama or Nickeil Alexander-Walker who provide elite role-player value without the superstar price tag.