The Philadelphia 76ers: A History of the Salary Cap

From Modest Beginnings to Salary Cap Supremacy

The Philadelphia 76ers have been a dominant force in the NBA for decades, but their financial history has been a rollercoaster ride. In the early days of the salary cap, the Sixers were handcuffed by a lack of spending power. However, in recent years, they have emerged as one of the most aggressive teams in the league when it comes to spending. Here is a look at the history of the Philadelphia 76ers' salary cap, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a financial powerhouse.

The Early Years

When the NBA introduced the salary cap in 1984, the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the most cash-strapped teams in the league. The team's total salary payroll was just over $4 million, which was less than half of the league average. As a result, the Sixers were forced to rely on budget-friendly players and were unable to compete with the top teams in the league.

The Allen Iverson Era

The arrival of Allen Iverson in 1996 changed the fortunes of the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was one of the most exciting players in the league, and his popularity helped to increase the team's revenue. As a result, the Sixers were able to spend more money on their roster, and they quickly became one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference.

The Process Years

After Iverson left, the Sixers entered a period of rebuilding, known as "The Process." During this time, the team traded away their best players and focused on developing young talent. As a result, the Sixers' salary cap space increased significantly. In 2016, the Sixers had over $50 million in cap space, which they used to sign Al Horford and JJ Redick.

The Present

The Philadelphia 76ers are now one of the most aggressive teams in the NBA when it comes to spending. In 2023, the team's salary cap hit $136.021 million, which was the highest in the league. The Sixers have used their cap space to sign some of the biggest names in the NBA, including James Harden and Joel Embiid. As a result, the Sixers are now one of the favorites to win the NBA championship.