Joel Embiid Inks $193 Million Extension with 76ers, Commitment to Philadelphia
Joel Embiid, the towering presence at the heart of the Philadelphia 76ers, has reaffirmed his dedication to the team and the city by signing a three-year, $193 million max contract extension. This agreement ensures that the franchise's cornerstone will remain with the 76ers through the 2028-29 NBA season.
Embiid, who will be 35 years old at the conclusion of this extension, has a player option for the final year of his contract. He notably declined a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season, opting instead for an estimated $59.3 million under the new terms. His salary is set to rise to approximately $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, with the player option for the 2028-29 season valued at around $69.1 million.
Should Embiid exercise this option, his career earnings will soar past the $500 million mark, a testament to his significant impact on and off the court. Over the next five years alone, Embiid is poised to earn an estimated $299.5 million.
The Cameroonian-born center has been a dominant force for the 76ers, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game last season. His usage rate of 38.7% underscores his crucial role in the team's offense.
Embiid has earned an impressive array of accolades, including seven All-Star Game selections, five All-NBA team nods, and three All-Defensive Team honors. Most recently, he added to his illustrious career by winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris expressed his excitement over the extension, 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."
Building a Contender
This offseason, the 76ers have made significant moves to bolster their roster, demonstrating a clear commitment to building a championship contender. The acquisition of Paul George on a four-year max deal and the extension of Tyrese Maxey for five years are pivotal steps in that direction. Additionally, the team has brought in reinforcements, including Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. Returning players such as Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, along with the re-signing of K.J. Martin, further solidify an already strong lineup.
The 76ers' total financial commitment to Embiid, George, and Maxey amounts to approximately $715 million in future salaries, reflecting the organization’s resolve to invest in elite talent and secure long-term success.
Despite their regular-season success, only trailing the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets in wins since the 2017-18 season, the 76ers have struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. This extension and the recent roster upgrades signal a renewed focus on achieving postseason breakthroughs.
A Heartfelt Commitment to Philadelphia
Embiid's love for the city of Philadelphia and its fans is palpable. In his own words, he shared, "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!"
He further reflected on his journey with the team: "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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting Embiid's integral role in the franchise's aspirations: "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."
Reflecting on his career since being drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon, Embiid remarked, "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." In a statement of gratitude, he added, "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."
As the 76ers continue to build around their star player, the anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead are palpable. Embiid's commitment to the 76ers sets the stage for what could be a defining era for basketball in Philadelphia.