True or False: Teams cannot receive a player in a sign-and-trade if they end up above the Apron.

The correct understanding relates to the concept of the Apron, which is a critical element in the NBA's salary cap structure. The Apron is set at a specific dollar amount above the salary cap, and teams that exceed this threshold under certain conditions lose the ability to utilize specific exceptions and make certain player transactions.

In the context of a sign-and-trade deal, if a team is above the Apron, it cannot receive a player in such a transaction. This policy is designed to maintain a competitive balance and ensure that teams manage their salary cap responsibly. Allowing teams over the Apron to engage in sign-and-trade agreements could potentially lead to misuse of the salary cap, where teams manipulate the system to further exceed their spending limits.

The other aspects discussed in the answer choices, such as restrictions during the regular season or exceptions for rookies, do not relate directly to the fundamental rule surrounding sign-and-trade transactions above the Apron. Thus, the statement is accurate, reinforcing that teams over the Apron cannot participate in receiving players through sign-and-trades.