The NBA’s second tax apron, a new hard cap, is reshaping rosters and fantasy forecasts. Boston trimmed its championship core, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and letting Al Horford walk to dodge penalties, a stark reminder that cap rules can redefine dynasties. Barkley blames players for colluding, while Adam Silver defends the balance effort. Oklahoma City’s draft leverage and the fading era of multi-star teams hint at leaner, more MAP-driven rosters ahead, with big-market dynasties unlikely to reappear soon.

Expect continued shuffling as teams juggle cap fits and rotation volatility. The Celtics’ moves illustrate a broader trend: rosters will be pruned to stay under the apron, reshaping fantasy value, depth charts, and dynasty plans across the league as owners chase stability over splashy superteams.