Each season, the NBA will have a moratorium period in which teams may hold negotiations but cannot sign contracts. It is during this time period that the NBA and NBPA conducts an audit that assists in the determination of the new Salary Cap figure for the following season which will be in effect on the date following the day the moratorium is lifted.

Limited exceptions to this rule apply to Rookie Scale contracts with first round draft picks, minimum contracts of one or two seasons (with draft picks and free agents) and Restricted Free Agents who may sign contracts. The moratorium period on free agent signings, etc., in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and (if the NBA exercises its option to extend the CBA) 2011, respectively, will be as follows:

For 2006-07 season	July 1, 2006 through July 11, 2006
For 2007-08 season	July 1, 2007 through July 10, 2007
For 2008-09 season	July 1, 2008 through July 8, 2008
For 2009-10 season	July 1, 2009 through July 7, 2009
For 2010-11 season	July 1, 2010 through July 7, 2010
For 2011-12 season	July 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011