The 76ers Have Always Bought Their Way Into Contention

By the 76ers Nightly Desk · Thursday, September 17

Philadelphia's history swings between buying its way to contention and gutting itself for a top pick: an ownership group bought the team outright in 1963, a trade for Moses Malone won a title in 1983, and a decade-long teardown delivered Joel Embiid in 2014. The Brown trade and the James signing put this era squarely in the buying camp.

76ers Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Is going all-in new for this franchise?

No. Kosloff and Richman bought the team in 1963 specifically to fill the void the Warriors left when they moved to San Francisco. Twenty years later, Philadelphia traded for Moses Malone and won a title the same season. Trading two firsts, two seconds and Paul George for Jaylen Brown, then signing LeBron James for two years and $8 million, reads the same way.

Didn't trading away a superstar blow up this franchise once already?

Once, badly. Wilt Chamberlain, a former Overbrook High star, was dealt to the Lakers after the 1967-68 season for Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff and Jerry Chambers. Four years later Philadelphia finished 30-52, missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. This roster is doing the opposite: importing stars instead of shipping the best one out.

How many MVPs does this franchise actually have, and where does Embiid fit?

Five: Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Malone, Allen Iverson and Embiid, combining for seven MVP awards. Last season Embiid played 38 games and still averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds. The talent has never been the question with this franchise's MVPs; staying on the floor is Embiid's specific version of that question.

Does Boston's playoff history make the Brown deal riskier?

The Celtics have ended more 76ers seasons than any other opponent, sweeping them in 2020 and beating them in seven games in 2023. Brown played for Boston through both series. Philadelphia is betting his production translates faster than the roster chemistry problem it's solving by adding him mid-rivalry.

Does the Knicks rivalry connect to this year in any real way?

The Knicks eliminated Philadelphia in six games in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. This season begins on the road against that same team. James and Brown were brought in to make sure Embiid's scoring means something past a first-round exit, not to settle a Boston-shaped grudge alone.

The verdictThis franchise has never once tried to win slow: it bought its way into Philadelphia, traded for a title, and gutted itself down to Embiid on purpose. The Brown trade and the James contract are just the newest chapter of the same book, and the price of the next one is still due at the first apron.

Did the 76ers really trade Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers?

Yes. Philadelphia sent Chamberlain to Los Angeles after the 1967-68 season for Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff and Jerry Chambers, and finished 30-52 four years later.

How many MVPs have the 76ers had?

Five players have won a combined seven MVP awards for this franchise: Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid.