Embiid Secures Future in Philadelphia with Massive Extension
In a move that solidifies the heart of the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has put pen to paper on a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. The deal ensures that the reigning MVP will remain in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, by which time he will be 35 years old. Embiid's commitment to the franchise underscores his desire to bring a championship to the city that has embraced him since he was a 20-year-old draft pick from Cameroon.
“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," Embiid stated, resonating with the 76ers' faithful. "There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!”
The extension includes a crucial player option for the final year, valued at approximately $69.1 million. Under the terms of the new contract, Embiid will see his salary rise to an estimated $59.3 million for the 2026-27 season, up from the $59 million player option he turned down. By the 2027-28 season, his earnings will have increased to $64.3 million. If Embiid exercises his player option for 2028-29, his total career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark.
Last season, Embiid was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His usage rate was an astronomical 38.7%, reflecting his central role in the 76ers' offensive game plan. Over his career, Embiid has been selected to seven All-Star Games, five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive Teams. Recently, he added an Olympic gold medal to his accolades with Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
The 76ers have made significant moves to build a championship-caliber team around Embiid this offseason. They signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey with a five-year max contract. Altogether, the franchise has committed approximately $715 million in future salaries to Embiid, George, and Maxey. The team has also bolstered its roster by adding Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele, while bringing back Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry. Additionally, K.J. Martin was re-signed to serve as a trade asset near the deadline.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris expressed his enthusiasm for Embiid's extension. "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," Harris remarked.
Harris continued, "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."
The 76ers' commitment to winning is evident. They have consistently been one of the top teams in the NBA, trailing only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets in terms of victories since the 2017-18 campaign. However, the team has struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs in recent seasons, a hurdle they are determined to overcome.
Embiid’s journey from a 20-year-old draftee from Cameroon to a cornerstone of the 76ers’ franchise has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Through it all, he has maintained a deep connection with Philadelphia and its fans. “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,” Embiid affirmed.
With his extension secured, Embiid is focused on the task at hand: bringing an NBA championship to Philadelphia. "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, emphasizing his enduring commitment to the city and its fans. "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 76ers' fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, hopeful that Embiid and the revamped roster can finally bring a championship to the City of Brotherly Love.