In a major coup for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has inked a three-year maximum contract extension worth a staggering $193 million. This new deal ensures that the towering center will remain a fixture in the City of Brotherly Love through the 2028-29 NBA season, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Joel Embiid, who will be 35 at the conclusion of this contract, has emphatically stated his desire to remain with the 76ers for the duration of his career. "Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you've given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!" Embiid remarked, expressing his deep connection to the city and its fans.
The terms of this lucrative extension include a player option for the final year, offering Embiid some flexibility as he approaches the twilight of his career. Notably, he turned down a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season under his prior contract. This decision appears financially prudent, as Embiid is set to earn an estimated $59.3 million in the same season under the new agreement, with his salary escalating to an estimated $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season. The player option for the 2028-29 season is valued at around $69.1 million.
If Embiid chooses to exercise his player option, his career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark, a testament to his status as one of the premier talents in the NBA. Over the next five years alone, his estimated earnings amount to an impressive $299.5 million.
Last season, Embiid delivered a dominant performance, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His usage rate of 38.7% underscores his pivotal role in the 76ers' offense. Managing Partner Josh Harris was effusive in his praise for Embiid, stating, "Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We're ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come."
Embiid's accolades include participation in seven All-Star Games, five All-NBA Team selections, and three All-Defensive Team honors. He also recently celebrated a gold medal victory with Team USA at the Paris Olympics, further cementing his legacy as a global basketball icon.
Reinforcing the Roster
This offseason has been a busy one for the 76ers' front office, with significant moves aimed at bolstering the team's chances at a championship. The team has signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and locked in young talent Tyrese Maxey on a five-year max contract. These signings, alongside Embiid's extension, mean the 76ers have committed approximately $715 million in future salaries to their core trio.
In addition to these marquee signings, the 76ers have added valuable depth to their roster by bringing in Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. The team has also re-signed K.J. Martin with an eye towards utilizing him as a potential trade asset near the deadline. Experienced players Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry will also return, adding further depth and versatility.
Since the 2017-18 campaign, the 76ers have consistently performed well in the regular season, with only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets achieving more victories. However, the team has struggled to translate regular season success into deep playoff runs, failing to advance past the second round in recent seasons. The new roster additions and commitment to their core players reflect the organization's determination to change that narrative.
As Embiid reflected on his journey from a 20-year-old drafted out of Cameroon to becoming the face of the franchise, he expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support he has received. "Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they've embraced me."
Josh Harris highlighted Embiid's unique combination of skills and leadership qualities, saying, "Joel is a great family man, leader, and person. He is an elite two-way player with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that this league has rarely – if ever – seen. He is integral to this franchise's quest for another NBA Championship, and we are honored that he continues to choose this organization as his NBA home."
With his future in Philadelphia now secure, Embiid is focused on bringing a championship to the city. "I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career. I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia," he said. "I want to thank Josh, David [Blitzer], and the entire organization. Philadelphia is home and it's time to bring this community an NBA championship."
The stage is set for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers to chase their championship aspirations with renewed vigor, backed by a robust roster and a city that stands firmly behind its team.