A player gets an NBA max contract when they qualify for the league’s highest salary tier under the CBA, and that tier mainly depends on years of service. In simple terms, the first-year salary is usually capped at 25% of the salary cap for players with up to 6 years of experience, 30% for 7–9 years, and 35% for 10 or more years.

How it works

  • 0–6 years of service: up to 25% of the cap.
  • 7–9 years of service: up to 30% of the cap.
  • 10+ years of service: up to 35% of the cap.

Extra rule

Some players can get a higher “designated” max, often called a supermax , if they meet award criteria like All-NBA, MVP, or Defensive Player of the Year benchmarks and satisfy the service-time rules.

Real-world example

Austin Reaves is a current example of a player reportedly signing a max-level deal, with reports saying he intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract with the Lakers.

In one line

A player gets a max contract when their NBA experience and award status make them eligible for the highest percentage of the salary cap allowed by the CBA.