Joel Embiid Stays in Philadelphia with Significant Contract Extension
In a move that solidifies the future of one of the NBA's premier franchises, Joel Embiid has signed a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. This extension ensures that the cornerstone of the team will remain in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season. By the time his contract expires, Embiid will be 35 years old, underscoring the team's commitment to the star center.
Embiid's new deal features a player option for the final year, offering flexibility as he progresses into the latter stages of his career. Notably, Embiid declined a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season, only to secure an even larger sum under the new terms—an estimated $59.3 million for that same season. His earnings will further escalate to approximately $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, with the 2028-29 player option valued at about $69.1 million.
Should Embiid choose to exercise his player option, his total career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark, a testament to his value not just on the court but also as a franchise icon. Over the next five years, Embiid is poised to earn an estimated $299.5 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in sports.
A Legacy in the Making
Last season, Embiid delivered yet another stellar performance, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. Complementing these impressive statistics was a usage rate of 38.7%, underscoring his role as the focal point of the 76ers' offense. To date, Embiid has been selected for seven All-Star Games, five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive teams, highlighting his two-way prowess. Additionally, he recently added a gold medal from the Olympics in Paris to his already impressive resume, representing Team USA.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris couldn't hide his admiration for Embiid, saying, "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 himself is deeply tied to the city and its fervent fan base. "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!" said an emotional Embiid.
Building Around the Big Man
The 76ers have also been active this offseason, making strategic acquisitions to bolster their roster around their star center. They signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey on a five-year max contract. In total, the franchise is committing approximately $715 million in future salaries to Embiid, George, and Maxey, signaling a win-now mentality.
Furthermore, the 76ers have added key players such as Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. They have also brought back reliable veterans Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry. Even K.J. Martin was re-signed to serve as a valuable trade asset down the line.
In recent seasons, the 76ers have been among the league's elite, with only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets besting them in total wins since the 2017-18 campaign. However, despite their regular-season success, the team has consistently stumbled in the playoffs, unable to advance past the second round.
Philadelphia's ultimate goal remains clear: to capture an NBA championship. As Harris puts it, "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."
An Unfinished Journey
Reflecting on his journey from a 20-year-old draftee arriving from Cameroon to an NBA superstar, Embiid remarked, "I started as 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."
With the new extension in place and a rejuvenated roster around him, Embiid and the 76ers are poised to continue their quest for an elusive championship. As he passionately concluded, "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."