What happened: LeBron James' contract with Philadelphia will count for 2.35% of the salary cap this season, per Bobby Marks. Because the deal runs two years, Philadelphia gets no cap relief and sits $572,000 above the first apron as currently constructed.
Why it matters: The 76ers now must waive a non-guaranteed player or make a trade to clear the apron overage before the season, a real roster-construction constraint tied directly to the two-year, $8 million deal Philadelphia signed James to. Apron restrictions limit trade aggregation and other roster tools, raising the stakes of how the team resolves the shortfall.
By the numbers: James' cap hit: 2.35% of the salary cap. Contract: two years, no cap relief. Philadelphia is $572,000 above Apron 1 as currently constructed.
What to watch: Watch for Philadelphia to waive a non-guaranteed roster spot or work a trade to clear the $572K needed to get under the first apron.