How does an extension generally affect a player's salary cap hit?

When a player is given a contract extension, the primary effect on their salary cap hit is that it spreads their salary over a longer duration. This is particularly important in salary cap management because it allows teams to allocate the player’s compensation over additional years. The spread can reduce the annual cap hit, which can give teams more flexibility in their budget to sign other players or manage existing contracts.

By extending a player's contract, any signing bonus or guaranteed money can be prorated over the length of the new deal, which effectively minimizes the immediate impact on the salary cap. This approach is commonly used to help teams navigate the complexities of maintaining a competitive roster within the constraints of the salary cap.

Maintaining the cap hit for the current year or eliminating it entirely does not accurately reflect the mechanics of contract extensions. Increases in cap hit are typically associated with new contracts or higher salaries in existing contracts rather than extensions.