The NBA salary cap significantly influences team-building by limiting the amount of money teams can spend on player salaries. This restriction forces teams to balance star power and depth, often resulting in trades or strategic signings. While it promotes competitive balance by preventing wealthier teams from dominating, it also challenges teams to maximize their roster's potential. Effective management of the salary cap is crucial for sustained success, and teams often rely on young players or trade assets to maintain competitiveness within financial constraints.