Bryan Toporek

The Oklahoma City Thunder, once poised for an NBA dynasty, now face significant financial challenges threatening their roster. General Manager Sam Presti recently traded Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Joe for seven second-round picks, citing a "financial decision" to reallocate savings for future flexibility. This move comes as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's max extensions begin, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's contract is set to jump by over $20 million next summer, consuming projected cap increases. The team must decide on Cason Wallace's extension by October or risk him becoming a restricted free agent. Further challenges loom in 2028, with key players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain potentially hitting free agency. Despite a war chest of draft picks, more financially driven roster changes are anticipated in the coming two years as their core salary approaches the second apron.

Joel Embiid has long wanted a superteam like what Jayson Tatum had with the Celtics. He finally got his wish.

Now that we know LeBron James was open to signing for a minimum contract, why didn’t he just go back to the Lakers?

LeBron James's surprising decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th season has injected significant intrigue into the NBA, fulfilling Commissioner Adam Silver's "wish" for a resolution. The Sixers are now poised for maximum national TV exposure, with 34 telecasts and prominent roles in tentpole events like opening week and Christmas Day. This move intensifies existing rivalries, notably with the Boston Celtics following the Jaylen Brown trade. Teams LeBron spurned, including the Heat and Timberwolves, have seen players like Bam Adebayo and Anthony Edwards playfully vow to challenge him. The Cavaliers remain silent but are likely frustrated, while the Lakers, whom LeBron informed of his departure, will face him with added motivation. Even the reigning champion Knicks, who LeBron's agent confirmed he would have joined if they hadn't won, now view the Sixers as a major threat, setting the stage for a thrilling season.

LeBron James took the biggest pay cut in NBA history to join the Philadelphia 76ers, just as we all expected.

Anthony Davis becomes eligible August 6 to sign a four-year, $273 million max extension with the Washington Wizards, a decision with major NBA implications. Rumors suggest Davis demands the full max from Washington but would accept less for a trade to a contender, despite the Wizards initially shutting down trade talks. The team faces a dilemma: Davis, 33, has a significant injury history, playing only 71 games in the last two seasons. A max deal covering his age 34-37 seasons, combined with Trae Young's large contract, would tie up roughly 65% of the cap, potentially hindering development around top pick AJ Dybantsa. This mirrors the Celtics' recent Jaylen Brown trade due to cap constraints. While the Wizards initially resisted trading Davis, his demands could force their hand. Contenders like the Celtics, Spurs, Magic, or Rockets might pursue Davis if he becomes available, seeking to accelerate their title windows. His contract talks are a key flashpoint in a wild offseason.

We’re partnering with SalarySwish to help answer your Sixers salary cap questions.

A pair of moves by the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers paved the way for LeBron James to shock the NBA and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

We are answering every possible question about the Lakers’ salary, draft pick and other team-building situations.

In the modern era of the NBA, teams and fans have become far more intelligent when it comes to team-building, rosters and salaries and the CBA.