Philadelphia carries a $213.2M payroll, above both the $209.0M first apron and the $200.4M luxury tax line, though still short of the $221.7M second apron. The core four get more expensive next season, and the draft picks are the only leverage left to spend.
How far over the line is this payroll?
Philadelphia's $213.2M payroll clears the $209.0M first apron and blows past the $200.4M luxury tax line, though it still sits under the $221.7M second apron. That's four numbers, one payroll, and a franchise that chose spending power over cap discipline the moment Jaylen Brown arrived by trade, then LeBron James signed on top of it.
Which five contracts built this number?
Joel Embiid ($58.1M), Jaylen Brown ($57.1M) and Tyrese Maxey ($40.8M) are the anchors. VJ Edgecombe already costs $11.7M on his rookie scale, and Dean Wade adds $9.0M. Those five names are the biggest commitments on this year's cap sheet, before a single bench salary gets counted.
Does it get more expensive next season?
The 2027-28 cap sheet has Embiid rising to $62.7M, Brown to $61.0M, Maxey to $43.6M, Edgecombe to $12.2M and Wade to $9.4M. Every one of those figures increases, and that's before Anfernee Simons ($6.3M) or LeBron James ($4.1M) decide whether to pick up their player options.
Who actually controls next summer?
Simons holds a $6.3M player option for 2027-28, and LeBron James holds one worth $4.1M. Philadelphia controls a 2026-27 team option on Dominick Barlow ($3.4M) and 2027-28 team options on Justin Edwards ($2.6M) and Adem Bona ($2.5M). Those decisions, not a trade, are the cheapest way to move this number.
What's left in the draft-pick drawer?
Philadelphia owns its 2027 first and second outright, its 2029 second and 2030 first outright, and controls the 2029 first through a swap. A 2028 first is protected, the 2028 second is conditional to Brooklyn, and the 2030 second is owed to New York. That's the trade currency behind this payroll.
Are the 76ers over the salary cap?
Yes, well over. The $213.2M payroll is above the $165.0M salary cap, the $200.4M luxury tax line and the $209.0M first apron.
Do the 76ers have their own draft picks?
Mostly. Philadelphia owns its 2027 first and second, its 2029 first swap, and its 2030 first, but the 2030 second goes to New York and the 2028 second is conditional to Brooklyn.
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