The Big Question: Did Bob Myers Buy a Title Window or a Tax…

By the 76ers Nightly Desk · Saturday, September 26

Philadelphia sent Paul George and four picks to Boston for Jaylen Brown, then signed a 41-year-old LeBron James for $8 million across two seasons. That is real money and draft equity spent on a roster that ranked 18th in net rating last season and got only 38 games out of Joel Embiid.

76ers Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What did the Sixers actually get for Paul George?

Jaylen Brown, at a cost of two first-round picks and two second-round picks sent to Boston along with George. Brown answered last season with 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists on 34.7 percent shooting from three, a real second scorer, but one who now faces the team that traded him every time Philadelphia plays Boston.

Why does a 41-year-old have a roster spot?

LeBron James signed July 27 for $8 million across two seasons, the smallest number on this roster by far. Last season he still put up 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds in 60 games at 33.2 minutes a night, proof he can still play, if not every single one.

Can Embiid make it through a full season this time?

He played 38 games last season, averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds when he was on the floor. Nothing about this roster answers what happens if that number repeats, and camp hasn't even opened with Adem Bona and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope already day-to-day, both projected back around October 1.

What does $213.2 million actually buy them?

A payroll that sits above the $200.4 million tax threshold and is closing on the $221.7 million second apron, which leaves interim president Bob Myers little room to maneuver on trades or additions. Every move from here has to work around that ceiling, not with it, for as long as this group stays together.

Does more talent fix a defense that ranked 16th?

Last season's 76ers ranked 16th on offense and 16th on defense, with a net rating of -0.1 that landed 18th leaguewide at a 100.4 pace. Brown and James raise the ceiling on scoring nights, but neither is a plus defender at this stage, and Nick Nurse still has to make one unit out of five new-look pieces.

The verdictThis is a win-now bet, not a build. Philadelphia paid in picks and tax dollars for a roster that was middling on both ends last season, and now needs Embiid healthy, Brown adjusting and a 41-year-old's legs to all hold up at once, with far less flexibility if any piece of that fails.

Are the 76ers over the luxury tax this season?

Yes. Their $213.2 million payroll sits above the $200.4 million tax threshold and the $209.0 million first-apron line.

How much is LeBron James making with the 76ers?

$8 million across two seasons, signed July 27, 2026, by far the smallest deal on the roster.